"separate file" vs "separate files"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

individual file
distinct file

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.'

Examples:

I need to store these images in separate files.
The software creates separate files for each user's data.

Alternatives:

distinct files
individual files

Answer 1

separate file

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

Answer 2

separate files

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

"separate file" vs "separate files"

separate file

separate files

Related Comparisons