were separated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were separated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more entities have been divided or moved apart from each other, often in a past context. Example: "After the storm, the two ships were separated and had to navigate back to each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now they were separated.

The New Yorker

They were separated.

The New Yorker

Siblings were separated.

The New York Times

Then they were separated again.

The New Yorker

"We were separated like sand.

The New York Times

Families, lovers and friends were separated.

The New York Times

Mr. Sanhouri and Mr. Bereir were separated.

The New York Times

"We were separated for so long".

The New York Times

"In the process, families were separated".

The New York Times

"We were separated by the war.

The Guardian

No matter, Nabokov's butterflies were separated.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were separated", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who was divided. Providing specific details enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "were separated" without specifying the agent that caused the separation. Omission can lead to confusion about the subject of the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were separated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject underwent the action of being divided or disconnected. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples provided, illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were separated" is a versatile and grammatically correct passive verb phrase widely used to describe a state of division or disconnection. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, with frequent occurrences in news media, scientific publications and formal documents. When writing, ensure the agent of separation is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "were parted" or "became estranged" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Understanding these nuances will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were parted

A more general term for being forced apart or going in different directions.

became divided

Highlights the act of splitting into distinct groups or factions.

were disconnected

Highlights a break in communication or physical linkage.

were detached

Emphasizes a physical or emotional disconnection.

were segregated

Implies a forced separation based on specific characteristics or rules.

got divorced

Focuses specifically on the legal dissolution of a marriage.

split up

Informal way to express separation, often in relationships.

became estranged

Implies a loss of affection or familiarity over time.

ceased contact

Indicates a deliberate end to communication or interaction.

were isolated

Emphasizes being set apart and alone.

FAQs

How can I use "were separated" in a sentence?

You can use "were separated" to describe a division or disconnection between entities. For example, "The children "were separated" during the evacuation" or "The two companies "were separated" due to regulatory changes."

What are some alternatives to saying "were separated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "were parted", "became estranged", or "split up". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was separated" instead of "were separated"?

"Was separated" is used for singular subjects, while "were separated" is used for plural subjects. For example, "He was separated from his family" (singular) vs. "They "were separated" from their families" (plural).

What's the difference between "were separated" and "are separated"?

"Were separated" indicates a past event, while "are separated" indicates a current state. "They "were separated" during the war" means the separation happened in the past. "They "are separated" now" means they are currently not together.