what separates

USAGE SUMMARY

"what separates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask what is causing a difference between two things or groups of things. For example, "What separates man from animal?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What separates people.

The New Yorker

What separates pastime from disorder?

The New York Times - Books

What separates history from rumination?

The New York Times

That's what separates the kids.

The New York Times

"What separates Damita and me?

The New York Times - Magazine

What separates reality from artifice?

The New York Times

What separates any of us from him?

The New York Times - Books

What separates you from other rappers?

The New York Times - Magazine

A : I think that's what separates me.

The New York Times

That's what separates him from everybody else.

The New York Times - Sports

It's what separates us from the animals.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what separates" to clearly identify the key distinguishing factors between two or more subjects. This phrase is effective in analytical writing and discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "what separates" when a simpler phrase like "the difference is" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what separates" functions as an interrogative phrase used to introduce a question that seeks to identify the distinguishing factors between two or more entities or concepts. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what separates" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to inquire about the distinguishing factors between entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is commonly found in news, media, science, and business contexts, indicating its suitability for both neutral and formal registers. Alternatives such as ""what distinguishes"" and ""what differentiates"" offer similar nuances, while it's best practice to avoid overuse in overly simple comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what distinguishes

Focuses on the characteristic that makes something notably different.

what differentiates

Highlights the specific attributes that set things apart.

what sets apart

Emphasizes the act of making something distinct or unique.

what makes unique

Highlights the qualities that define individuality.

what is the difference between

Directly asks about the dissimilarities between two or more things.

what contrasts

Focuses on the differences that create a noticeable distinction.

what marks the boundary

Emphasizes the dividing line or limit between two things.

what distinguishes between

Underscores the act of perceiving differences between entities.

what is unique to

Highlights the specific attributes that are exclusive to something.

what isolates

Focuses on how something is set apart or detached from others.

FAQs

How can I use "what separates" in a sentence?

You can use "what separates" to highlight the distinguishing factors between two or more subjects. For example, "What separates good advice from useless or bad advice?"

What are some alternatives to "what separates"?

Alternatives include "what distinguishes", "what differentiates", or "what sets apart" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "what separates" or "the difference is"?

Use "what separates" when you want to delve deeper into the distinguishing factors. Use "the difference is" for simpler, more straightforward comparisons.

Can I use "what separates" in formal writing?

Yes, "what separates" is suitable for formal writing, especially when analyzing complex differences or distinctions. For example, "What separates science from pseudoscience?"