a distant approach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distant approach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a method or perspective that is not immediate or direct, often implying a more reserved or detached manner of engagement. Example: "The researchers took a distant approach to the problem, analyzing the data from a broader perspective rather than focusing on specific details."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Three different acute human stressors were applied, i.e. a loud metal sound, a distant approach, and a capture.

BMC Ecology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected suggestions that a lack of team spirit has contributed to Real Madrid's slow start in La Liga – saying he took a similarly distant approach to squad friendships at Manchester United.

The Guardian - Sport

Where insufficient information is provided (e.g. clinical problems are unclear or do not indicate whether impairment is likely), a 'direct but distant' approach is used to obtain additional insight whenever possible, as it combines accuracy with efficient resource use.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

I know I speak for others of like mind when I say that I don't wish to lie on the tarmac with the life leaking out of me after just having been hit by a bus, hear the distant approach of the ambulance, know it is too late, and think: wow, I got a lot done.

Huffington Post

Whereas film-makers like the Dardenne Brothers or Mike Leigh have taken similar material to devastating conclusions, Brize's distant approach feels more like a shrug.

The Guardian - Film

✓   NRC Hashtag [33] Builds a lexicon dictionary using a Distant Supervised Approach.

EPJ Data Science

In [58], the MultiR system for multi-instances learning is presented, which also uses a distant supervision approach from Freebase and applies to the proposed features in [70].

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first system that applies a distant supervision approach to solve this problem.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The rebuff was seen here as a stark indication of Arab displeasure with the administration's more distant approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The New York Times

Amid their shouts to one another, they did not hear the distant approach of the sea returning, according to interviews with survivors and witnesses.

The New Yorker

A Middle East adviser to five presidents, Mr. Ross, 62, is known for his painstaking approach to diplomacy and longstanding ties to Israeli leaders, which made him a behind-the-scenes interlocutor with Israel but also stood in stark contrast to the bolder instincts and the more distant approach of his boss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distant approach" when you want to convey a sense of detachment or lack of direct engagement. It's suitable for describing strategies, attitudes, or methods that avoid immediate or close interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant approach" in situations where empathy and direct engagement are expected. For example, describing a therapist's style as "a distant approach" might suggest a lack of care or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant approach" functions as a noun phrase, where "distant" modifies "approach". It describes a manner or method that is characterized by detachment or indirectness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distant approach" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a method or perspective characterized by detachment or indirectness. Ludwig AI indicates that it is commonly found in contexts ranging from science and news to general knowledge. While it is suitable for formal and professional communication, care should be taken to avoid its use in situations where empathy and direct engagement are expected. Related phrases such as "detached method" and "indirect strategy" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detached method

Emphasizes emotional or personal disengagement.

an indirect strategy

Highlights the lack of a straight or direct path.

a hands-off policy

Stresses non-interference or minimal intervention.

a reserved manner

Focuses on a restrained and formal demeanor.

a remote perspective

Implies a viewpoint from afar, lacking close involvement.

a tangential tactic

Suggests a method that only indirectly addresses the main issue.

a circumspect attitude

Highlights caution and careful consideration.

a non-committal stance

Emphasizes a lack of strong commitment or engagement.

a lenient tactic

Describes an attitude of tolerance, gentleness, or forgiveness.

a broad-brush style

Refers to dealing with something in general terms, without attention to detail.

FAQs

How can I use "a distant approach" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company adopted "a distant approach" to customer service, relying primarily on automated responses".

What's the difference between "a distant approach" and "a direct approach"?

"A distant approach" implies detachment and indirectness, while "a direct approach" suggests immediacy and straightforwardness.

When is it appropriate to use "a distant approach"?

It is appropriate when describing strategies where detachment is beneficial or necessary, such as analyzing data objectively or managing a crisis from a strategic overview.

What are some alternatives to "a distant approach" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "detached method", "indirect strategy", or "hands-off policy" depending on the context.