What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
asunder
Example
The earthquake caused the building to be torn asunder. [asunder: adverb]
Example
Their relationship was torn asunder by their constant arguments. [asunder: preposition]
separate
Example
Please keep the red and blue blocks separate. [separate: adjective]
Example
She used a knife to separate the cake into equal slices. [separate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Separate is more commonly used than asunder in everyday language. Separate is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while asunder is less common and tends to have a more formal or poetic connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between asunder and separate?
While asunder is typically associated with a more formal or poetic tone, separate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
