# separately

/ˈsɛpɝətɫi/ (US) · /sˈɛpɹətli/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/separately
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

not together or at the same time. You use this when things happen one by one or are kept in different places.

For teachers: in a manner that is distinct, disconnected, or individual. Often used to indicate that items or events are handled independently rather than as a group.

## Examples

- We should pay for our meals separately.
- The software and the hardware are sold separately to allow customers more flexibility in their choices.
- Although the two departments share a building, they operate separately with their own budgets and management structures to ensure specialized focus.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They arrived separate." but "They arrived separately." — Learners often use the adjective 'separate' when the adverb 'separately' is required to modify the verb.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.