What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detach
Example
Please detach the coupon from the bottom of the receipt. [detach: verb]
Example
The cable was detached from the wall socket. [detached: past participle]
Example
She tried to detach herself from the toxic relationship. [detach: reflexive verb]
separate
Example
Please separate the recyclables from the trash. [separate: verb]
Example
The artist used bold lines to separate the foreground from the background. [separate: verb]
Example
The judge ordered a separate trial for each defendant. [separate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Separate is more commonly used than detach in everyday language. Separate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while detach is less common and tends to be used in more specific or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between detach and separate?
Detach is typically associated with a more formal tone, while separate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
