a little distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little distant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is emotionally or physically removed or detached from a situation or person. Example: "She seemed a little distant during the conversation, as if her mind was elsewhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The first president remains a little distant, he said.

The Washington Post

"We do feel a little distant from everybody," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

But the performances inevitably seemed a little distant.

The New York Times - Arts

People envied her, but she felt a little distant.

The Guardian

The model is "a little distant and cool," she says.

The New York Times - Magazine

But there was still something a little distant about him.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Bart Scott says, "Rex was a little more distant, more disconnected".

The New Yorker

I like her storyline but she does seem a little too distant from the action.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He described Lochte as "a great guy," but Clary, who trained alongside Phelps for a year, said, "My relationship with Michael is a little more distant".

The New York Times - Sports

If Ms. Minnelli's shows at the Palace are successful, the turbulent past will be a little more distant in the rearview mirror.

The New York Times

Mr Ma's dream of meeting China's leader, Xi Jinping, before the end of his presidential term in 2016, may have become a little more distant.(Picture credit: AFP).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little distant" to describe a temporary or slight emotional or physical separation, avoiding stronger terms like 'aloof' or 'detached' if the situation doesn't warrant it.

Common error

Avoid using "a little distant" in highly formal or professional writing where more precise and nuanced language is expected. Opt for terms that better convey the specific nature of the distance, such as 'reserved', 'unresponsive', or 'disengaged'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little distant" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing the degree to which someone or something is removed or detached. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little distant" serves as an adjectival phrase used to express a mild or temporary sense of emotional or physical separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly within news and media. When writing, it's best employed to describe a temporary or slight degree of detachment, avoiding overuse in formal settings where more precise language may be required. Alternatives such as "slightly aloof" or "somewhat detached" may be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly aloof

Focuses more on personality or behavior suggesting a deliberate detachment.

Somewhat detached

Emphasizes a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

A bit remote

Highlights the lack of immediacy or accessibility.

Rather detached

Indicates a stronger degree of separation than "a little distant".

A trifle reserved

Emphasizes a cautious or restrained demeanor.

A tad stand-offish

Suggests a deliberate attempt to maintain distance, often perceived negatively.

Somewhat inaccessible

Indicates difficulty in reaching or connecting with someone or something.

Slightly withdrawn

Implies a retreat from social interaction or emotional engagement.

A touch uninvolved

Emphasizes a lack of participation or engagement.

Fairly detached

Indicates a noticeable degree of separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little distant" to describe someone's behavior or emotional state, as in "She seemed "a little distant" during the meeting" or "He's been "a little distant" since the argument".

What are some alternatives to saying "a little distant"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slightly aloof", "somewhat detached", or "a bit remote" instead of "a little distant".

Is it better to say "a little distant" or "somewhat distant"?

Both "a little distant" and "somewhat distant" are acceptable, but "somewhat distant" implies a slightly greater degree of separation compared to "a little distant".

What does it mean when someone is "a little distant"?

When someone is described as ""a little distant"", it typically means they are not as engaged, communicative, or emotionally present as usual, suggesting a temporary or slight emotional or physical separation.