separate file vs separate files

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Separate file' is used when referring to a single file that is distinct or independent, while 'separate files' is used when referring to multiple files that are distinct or independent.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 2704 views

separate file

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a single file that is distinct or independent.

Use 'separate file' when you want to emphasize that a particular file is distinct or independent from others. For example, 'Please save this document in a separate file.'

Examples:

I have saved the important information in a separate file.
Each project has its own separate file for documentation.

Show examples from the web [+]

No. I want that in a separate file.
Audio's on a separate file.
a separate file with the set of data required by the TSI(s) for each relevant register provided for in Articles 34 and 35 of Directive 2008/57/EC,
The Office shall establish a separate file for the new registration, which shall consist of a complete copy of the file of the original registration, including the application for registration of the partial transfer and the correspondence relating thereto.
If lodged by means of e-Curia, the annex to which an application for confidential treatment relates must be sent in a separate file.
Archive old events to a separate file
It should be uploaded as a separate file in the form of an annex to the annual and final implementation reports.
One separate file by table of the Regulation and period has to be sent.
This disclosure can also be made via a separate file published on the ECAI's website.'
If this box is checked, attachments are opened with the external program which is configured for the MIME type; if there is no such association, a dialog for saving a file is opened and you can save the attachment to a separate file.
A citizen's summary of the contents of the annual and the final implementation reports shall be made public and uploaded as a separate file in the form of annex to the annual and the final implementation report
the details as how to process a declaration of the division of a registration, ensuring that a separate file, including a new registration number, is established for the divisional registration.
the details as to how to process a declaration of the division of an application, ensuring that a separate file, including a new application number, is established for the divisional application;
the details of how to process applications for partial transfers, ensuring that the goods and services in the remaining registration and the new registration do not overlap and that a separate file, including a new registration number, is established for the new registration.
When they were routed to D.C., an entirely separate file was created.
The customer's bank X treats the payments to country Y as cross-border payments, and demands that the customer submit payment initiation as a separate file based on the bank's own proprietary standards.
Add this resource to be able to save and load your events, to-dos and journal entries from a local folder. Each calendar item will be saved in a separate file, inside the folder.
After an analysis work file is closed, all data contained in that file shall be stored by Europol in a separate file, which shall only be accessible for the purposes of internal or external control.
Provides access to an alarm calendar stored in a local directory, in which each calendar item is stored in a separate file
c) A list of files in the medium shall be delivered as a separate file in the medium itself.

Alternatives:

individual file
distinct file

separate files

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to multiple files that are distinct or independent.

Use 'separate files' when you want to indicate that there are multiple files that are distinct or independent from each other. For example, 'Please organize the documents into separate files.'