Separate vs Separate

• Separate (to divide or set apart) – Verb

• Separate (distinct, not joined) – Adjective

Pronunciation

These words are heteronyms, meaning they are spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different meanings.

• Separate (Verb): Pronounced /ˈsɛpəˌreɪt/ (SEP-uh-rayt) — To divide.

• Separate (Adjective): Pronounced /ˈsɛpərət/ (SEP-uh-ruht) — Distinct.

Listen to the audio. Notice how the pronunciation changes based on the meaning.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "separate" in context.
Can you tell which “separate” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. She decided to separate the books into fiction and non-fiction.
   a. To divide or set apart
   b. Distinct, not joined

2. They stayed in separate rooms during the trip.
   a. To divide or set apart
   b. Distinct, not joined

3. The teacher asked the students to separate into small groups.
   a. To divide or set apart
   b. Distinct, not joined

4. The two issues are completely separate and should be addressed individually.
   a. To divide or set apart
   b. Distinct, not joined

5. He needed to separate the wires to fix the electrical problem.
   a. To divide or set apart
   b. Distinct, not joined

6. The twins have very separate interests despite looking alike.
   a. To divide or set apart
   b. Distinct, not joined

7. The workers were instructed to separate recyclable items from regular trash.
   a. To divide or set apart
   b. Distinct, not joined

8. They have separate goals but share a common purpose.
   a. To divide or set apart
   b. Distinct, not joined

9. She learned to separate her personal life from her professional life.
   a. To divide or set apart
   b. Distinct, not joined

10. The company operates in two separate buildings on opposite sides of the city.
    a. To divide or set apart
    b. Distinct, not joined

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. a

10. b

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Separate (to divide or set apart)

1. We need to separate the reusable materials from the waste. (Stress separate to emphasize the action.)

2. He decided to separate the large tasks into smaller steps. (Highlight separate to focus on the division.)

3. Please separate these files into two folders for better organization. (Emphasize separate to show importance.)

Separate (distinct, not joined)

1. They live in separate houses but remain close friends. (Stress separate to highlight their independence.)

2. The two problems are completely separate and unrelated. (Highlight separate to show distinction.)

3. Each room has a separate bathroom for convenience. (Emphasize separate to focus on the feature.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking.

Separate (to divide or set apart):

1. Separate the items: Focuses on categorizing.

   • Tip: Highlight items to emphasize the things being divided.

   • Sentence: She had to separate the items into categories for the inventory.

2. Separate completely: Suggests a thorough division.

   • Tip: Stress completely to show the extent.

   • Sentence: The two arguments need to be separate completely for clarity.

3. Separate into groups: Refers to dividing into smaller units.

   • Tip: Highlight groups to specify the result.

   • Sentence: The class was separated into groups for the activity.

Separate (distinct, not joined):

1. Separate rooms: Refers to independent spaces.

   • Tip: Highlight rooms to show the arrangement.

   • Sentence: They booked separate rooms for privacy.

2. Separate issues: Focuses on distinguishing problems.

   • Tip: Stress issues to show the differences.

   • Sentence: These are separate issues and should be handled individually.

3. Completely separate: Highlights total independence.

   • Tip: Emphasize completely to stress distinction.

   • Sentence: The siblings have completely separate hobbies and interests.

Things to Remember:

The word "separate" is used in different contexts:

• Separate (to divide or set apart): Often paired with phrases like "separate the items," "separate into groups," or "separate completely."

  • Example: She learned to separate work from personal life effectively.

• Separate (distinct, not joined): Commonly used with "separate rooms," "separate issues," or "completely separate."

  • Example: The hotel offers separate rooms with private entrances.