The Correct Way of Spelling Separate

English pronunciation can be very difficult because there isn’t a single, all-encompassing rule about pronouncing words. The first “ch” sounds completely different for the word chemist, and the verb change. However, this is something English readers just have to learn and memorize.

Definition of Separate

photo of three signs between apartment blocks that reads nothing can separate us
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash

Separate describes something viewed independently, apart, distinct, and different. Separate is an adjective but also can be used as a verb.

Separate, when used as a verb to describe moving things apart, being separated from a group, or acting as dividing walls. Separating means breaking up, decoupling, disconnecting, or creating a boundary.

Oxford English Dictionary claims that the word “separate” is among the thousand most common words in the English language. Thus, it is even more important to have the word spelled correctly!

Separate comes from the Latin word separatus, meaning to separate. It isn’t a must to know the etymologic origin of the word; however, it’s a fun fact to know.

How Do You Spell Separate?

So is it separate, or seperate? Let’s take a look at this common mistake.

Separate is one of the most common misspelled words in the English language. Some people think separate and seperate have the same relationship as affect and effect. 

Affect is a verb that means to cause an effect on a person or a thing. There is also effect, which is a change that results from something being done or occurring. 

However, separate and seperate aren’t like that. Separate can be used as an adjective or a verb, depending on the context.

Seperate, on the other hand, is just an error. It isn’t correct spelling at all.

Let’s take a look at an example of a sentence with both uses separate:

  • Boulgour and couscous are two separate things!
  • Separate the egg whites; we are going to put that later.

To Wrap Up

It is important to respect the rules and guidelines of spelling so that you will not take your words and misspell them. It also benefits you to know the definition of words, be aware of the different rules of spelling, and know the correct way of spelling. After all, spelling is what a language is made of.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

How to Improve Your Spelling As an Adult

Both native speakers and language learners find English spelling tough to master. Because English is a language that absorbs new…

June 13, 2022

How to Spell Yesterday — a Quick Spelling Guide

There are times when English can seem confusing. Many of the words in English are freely borrowed from other languages.…

June 13, 2022

Can’t Spell Review? Read This Right Away!

There are times when English spelling can appear confusing. English borrows many of its words from other languages. This Germanic…

June 13, 2022

How to Spell None — a Quick Spelling Guide

Sometimes, English spelling can seem perplexing. Many of the words in English originated in other languages. Germanic language English consists…

June 13, 2022

Having Some Issues? Correct Spelling of Issue!

English may seem confusing at times. Many of the words in English were freely borrowed from other languages. Languages such…

June 13, 2022

The Correct Way of Spelling Decide!

English spelling can sometimes seem confusing. English borrows many of its words from other languages. English, a Germanic language, consists…

June 13, 2022