be distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be distant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of emotional or physical separation from someone or something. Example: "In times of conflict, it's often best to be distant to avoid further escalation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This hope might be distant.

The New York Times - Sports

She can be distant and uncommunicative with editors.

The New York Times - Magazine

He guesses that he and Sinatra may be distant relatives.

The New York Times

Yet, curiously, in personal relations he could be distant.

The Guardian

When the image from each eye is the same, an object must be distant.

MIT Technology Review

"When he came home, he'd be distant and go lie down for an hour or so.

The New York Times

"War, rape, boxing, car racing, pornography and hamburgers and beer would soon be distant memories.

The New York Times - Magazine

His affect can be distant and disorienting, a strange mixture of shy and cocky.

The New Yorker

Many of us want our musicians to be distant and retain an air of mystery.

The Guardian - Music

During his darker moments, he could be distant and sullen, but never mean.

The New York Times - Sports

I should be distant from my 16-year-old self, but my scalp is crawling.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be distant" to describe emotional states, ensure the context clarifies whether the distance is intentional or a result of circumstance.

Common error

Avoid using "be distant" when you mean someone is simply uninterested. Distance implies a deliberate separation, whereas disinterest suggests a lack of initial engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be distant" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as a predicate adjective describing a state of separation or emotional detachment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be distant" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey physical or emotional separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts. While ""be distant"" often denotes remoteness or detachment, careful attention to context is crucial to avoid misinterpreting its intended meaning. Alternatives like "remain aloof" or "keep your distance" can provide nuanced substitutions depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain distance

Highlights the act of consistently keeping oneself separate, either physically or emotionally.

keep your distance

Suggests maintaining physical or emotional separation to avoid involvement or conflict.

remain separated

Highlights a state of being apart or disconnected.

stay detached

Emphasizes a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

be remote

Emphasizes being far away, either physically or in terms of connection and understanding.

remain aloof

Indicates a detached and reserved demeanor, often implying superiority or disinterest.

be standoffish

Describes a reserved and unfriendly manner, creating a sense of separation.

act aloof

Focuses on the behavior of appearing distant or uninterested.

be unresponsive

Focuses on the lack of emotional reaction or engagement.

keep at bay

Suggests actively preventing someone or something from getting too close.

FAQs

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

You can use "be distant" to describe physical separation, as in "The mountain peak may "be distant" but it is enormous". Alternatively, it can describe emotional detachment, such as "She would sink into moodiness, and snap at Obinze, or "be distant"".

What are some alternatives to "be distant"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "remain aloof", "keep your distance", or "stay detached" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "be distant to someone"?

While grammatically correct, it's more common to say "be distant with someone" or "be distant towards someone" when referring to a person. The preposition adds clarity to the relationship.

What's the difference between "be distant" and "be aloof"?

"Be distant" generally implies a separation, either physical or emotional. "Be aloof", on the other hand, suggests a haughty or indifferent attitude, often implying superiority.