What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
parted
Example
She parted ways with her old company and started a new job. [parted: verb]
Example
Her hair was neatly parted down the middle. [parted: adjective]
Example
The curtains were slightly parted, allowing a sliver of light to enter the room. [parted: verb]
separated
Example
The children were separated from their parents during the evacuation. [separated: verb]
Example
They decided to get separated after years of marital problems. [separated: adjective]
Example
The two buildings were separated by a narrow alleyway. [separated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Separated is more commonly used than parted in everyday language, especially in legal contexts. Parted is less common and is often used to describe physical openings or gaps.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between parted and separated?
Both parted and separated are versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, separated is more commonly used in legal and official contexts, making it slightly more formal than parted.
