appears distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears distant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that seems far away, either physically or emotionally. Example: "During the conversation, she often looked away and her expression suggested that she appears distant from the topic at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The overall effect is that the political class appears distant and even weird.

The Guardian

Exiting government involvement appears distant to us – as does the prospect of a dividend".

The Guardian - Business

However, contact has now been broken off and any chance of progress towards normalising ties appears distant.

The Guardian

However, even if it appears distant, it is of vital importance for the learners to see the path towards the ideal self with clear vision, so that they can move forward in concrete steps.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Perhaps one day your partner is tired and appears distant, and your fear of rejection kicks in.

Huffington Post

In the making-of, Villaronga provides explanations about the video, while Farmer appears "distant and very professional", according to Télé 2 Semaines.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Such a compromise appeared distant.

The New York Times

​Bitto's older characters appear distant by comparison, hovering on the periphery of the children's experiences.

The Guardian - Books

The announcement followed a diplomatic mission here by Ecowas leaders that otherwise ended in failure, as the group's goal — dislodging Mr. Gbagbo — appeared distant.

The New York Times

At a time when readers are more accustomed to viewing text printed on screens or in books, handwritten manuscripts and letters may initially appear "distant," said Daniel Greene, vice president for research and academic programs at the Newberry Library in Chicago.

The New York Times - Arts

General Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, several senior administration officials acknowledge, will have to say that two years and two strategies later, those goals still appear distant — the one common point of agreement in the tornado of recent reports from government agencies, the intelligence community and panels of outside experts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations. "Appears distant" can suggest aloofness, sadness, or preoccupation. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "appears distant" when you mean 'is distant'. The phrase indicates a perception, not necessarily a reality. Using it incorrectly can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears distant" primarily functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, modifying a subject to describe a perceived state of remoteness or detachment. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing people, goals, and concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appears distant" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that seems remote or detached. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the phrase's presence in reputable sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and academic publications underscores its credibility. It conveys a sense of perceived remoteness, fitting well in neutral to formal contexts. While "appears distant" is versatile, remember to use it when you want to describe a perception rather than a definitive state. Consider alternatives like "seems far away" or "looks detached" to fine-tune the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems far away

Emphasizes physical or emotional remoteness.

appears detached

Highlights the lack of connection or involvement.

seems remote

Emphasizes the feeling of being distant and disconnected, either physically or emotionally.

looks detached

Focuses on the outward appearance of emotional disconnection.

seems aloof

Highlights a perceived sense of haughtiness or unfriendliness.

appears unlikely

Indicates a low degree of probability.

looks unapproachable

Focuses on the appearance of being difficult to engage with or communicate with.

seems unreachable

Highlights that someone is emotionally unavailable or inaccessible.

looks withdrawn

Highlights someone's tendency to isolate themselves from others.

seems improbable

Indicates a low likelihood of something happening.

FAQs

What does "appears distant" mean?

The phrase "appears distant" suggests that someone or something seems far away or detached, either physically or emotionally. It implies a perception rather than a definitive state.

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

You can use "appears distant" to describe someone who seems emotionally unavailable or something that seems unlikely to happen. For example: "He "looks detached" during meetings", or "A resolution "seems remote" at this point".

What are some synonyms for "appears distant"?

Some synonyms for "appears distant" include "seems far away", "looks unapproachable", "seems unreachable" and "seems remote".

Is it better to say "appears distant" or "is distant"?

The choice depends on the context. "Appears distant" indicates a perception or impression, while "is distant" suggests a definitive state of being. Use "appears distant" when you want to emphasize the observed remoteness rather than stating it as a fact. If you know it's a definitive state then use "is distant".