became detached

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became detached" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of separation or disconnection from something, whether physically or emotionally. Example: "After the argument, she felt that she became detached from her friends and their shared experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It became detached from people.

Independent

He also became detached from the Republican leadership in Connecticut.

The New York Times

One officer became detached from his unit, tripped, and was attacked by a mob with sticks.

The Guardian

But the wife complained that "instead of just being busy, he became detached," Dr. Kotbi said.

The New York Times

Conservators have only revealed a handful of the coins which became detached from the main block.

The Guardian

Miller's somehow became detached from her bike in the 2015 race, the only such incident among more than 800 competitors.

The New York Times - Sports

Inevitably pursued by TV cameras, he became detached from triumphant team-mates and conducted an individual lap of honour.

Independent

After a "pop" he saw a brief fire take hold at which point the plane's tail became detached.

The Guardian

The beard became detached during work on the relic's lighting in August 2014 and then was hastily reattached with epoxy.

The Guardian

Mr Byers said the investigation now centred on how the nuts became detached from the stretcher bars on the points.

The Guardian

The Munster players had their arms linked, moving slowly towards the New Zealand haka in an orderly gesture of resistance when Ken O'Connell became detached.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "became detached" to describe emotional states, ensure the context clarifies whether the detachment is intentional or unintentional. For example, specify if someone "became detached" as a coping mechanism or due to external circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "became detached" ambiguously. Be clear if you're referring to a physical separation (like a part falling off an object) or an emotional distance (like a person withdrawing from a relationship). Using specific language avoids confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became detached" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a change in state where something or someone separates or disconnects from something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became detached" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe separation or disconnection, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral register. While generally clear, ensure the context specifies whether the detachment is physical or emotional to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "became separated" or "grew distant" to fine-tune the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey. With its frequent appearance in reputable sources, mastering its usage will definitely improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became separated

Highlights the act of being divided or set apart.

became disconnected

Emphasizes a loss of connection, either physically or emotionally.

became disengaged

Implies a withdrawal of involvement or interest.

grew distant

Focuses on the emotional or relational aspect of becoming separated.

became isolated

Suggests a state of being alone or apart from others.

drifted apart

Suggests a gradual separation over time.

became alienated

Indicates a feeling of estrangement or separation from a group or society.

became estranged

Implies a formal or emotional separation, often with negative connotations.

lost touch

Focuses on the cessation of communication or contact.

withdrew from

Emphasizes the act of pulling back or retreating from something.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "became detached"?

It means that something separated or disconnected from something else. It can refer to physical objects, like "The trailer "became detached" from the tractor", or emotional states, like feeling emotionally distant.

How can I use "became detached" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a variety of situations where something separates or loses connection. For example: "The political party "became detached" from its core values", or "The climber "became detached" from the safety rope".

What are some synonyms for "became detached"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "became separated", "became disconnected", "grew distant", or "drifted apart".

Is it correct to say "became detached from"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The preposition "from" specifies what the subject is separating or disconnecting from. For example, "He "became detached" from his family after the argument".