become distant

USAGE SUMMARY

"become distant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone moves away from you, either emotionally or physically. For example, "John and I used to be very close, but after he moved away, we started to become distant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

First, it has become distant.

The Economist

"You become distant from the users.

The New Yorker

County leaders have become distant figures.

The New York Times

In 2004 I had become distant from the game.

The Guardian - Sport

"A lot of injured players don't, and they do become distant.

The New York Times - Sports

When he came back, a neighbour said, he had converted to Islam and had become "distant".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

You kept losing, losing and losing, and everybody became distant.

The New York Times

She had few friends, however, and ultimately even her children became distant from her.

The New York Times - Books

But Fullerton became distant and unreliable, and by 1910 the affair was over.

The New York Times - Travel

Problems were created when banks became distant from the communities they served, he said.

The Guardian

"He looked different, he behaved differently, he became distant, he became volatile, he was tearful, he was withdrawn".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, use "become distant" to indicate a gradual emotional or physical separation. It is suitable for both personal and professional contexts.

Common error

While "become distant" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing can make your tone sound less objective. Consider alternatives such as "diverge" or "dissociate" for a more formal register.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "become distant" is as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes a process of separation or alienation. Ludwig confirms its usability, showcasing numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16%

Huffington Post

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become distant" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a growing separation, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, wikis, and science. Its register is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, consider the subtle differences between "become distant" and related phrases like "grow apart" or "distance oneself" to ensure the most appropriate nuance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow apart

Focuses on a gradual emotional separation over time.

drift away

Implies a slow and subtle distancing, often without a specific cause.

become estranged

Suggests a more formal and often permanent separation.

lose touch

Highlights the diminishing of communication and connection.

fall out of contact

Emphasizes the cessation of communication.

distance oneself

Implies a deliberate act of creating space between oneself and another.

withdraw from

Suggests a retreat from interaction or involvement.

become remote

Highlights emotional or physical inaccessibility.

become detached

Indicates a lack of emotional connection or involvement.

become alienated

Suggests a feeling of separation and disconnection from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "become distant" to describe a growing emotional or physical separation, such as, "After the argument, they started to "become distant" from each other".

What's the difference between "become distant" and "grow apart"?

"Become distant" implies a separation, while "grow apart" suggests a more natural and gradual divergence in interests or paths.

Which is a more formal way to say "become distant"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "distance oneself" or "withdraw from" for a more detached tone.

Can "become distant" refer to physical distance or only emotional distance?

"Become distant" can apply to both physical and emotional separation. For example, "They "became distant" after he moved to another country" (physical) or "They "became distant" due to unresolved conflict" (emotional).