What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
severally
Example
The members of the team were severally responsible for their own tasks. [severally: adverb]
Example
The students were asked to answer the questions severally. [severally: adverb]
separately
Example
The dishes were served separately, one after the other. [separately: adverb]
Example
The siblings were given separate rooms to avoid conflicts. [separate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Separately is more commonly used than severally in everyday language. Separately is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while severally is less common and is typically used in legal or formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between severally and separately?
Severally is more formal than separately and is typically used in legal or formal contexts. Separately is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.