distance themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

"distance themselves" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to create or maintain a physical, emotional, or social distance from someone or something. It can be used in various contexts, including personal relationships, political discussions, and professional settings. Example: In the wake of the scandal, many politicians of the same party have been trying to distance themselves from their disgraced colleague.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Others choose to distance themselves.

The Economist

I understand how fathers distance themselves.

The New York Times

But it seemed easier for the imams to distance themselves.

The New Yorker

Many Indians chose to distance themselves from the uprising.

The New Yorker

Hamas leaders have sought to distance themselves from the slaying.

The New York Times

Protest organisers later attempted to distance themselves from the disruption.

The Guardian

This is hard because people naturally want to distance themselves.

The Guardian

Musically, Elbow do enough to distance themselves from the herd.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Can they distance themselves from what they are doing?

The Guardian

Drama allows them to distance themselves from painful situations.

The New York Times

Practitioners are quick to distance themselves from such ideas.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distance themselves", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the separation is physical, emotional, ideological, or social. Be specific about the reasons and motivations behind the distancing.

Common error

Be sure to specify from what or whom the subjects are distancing themselves. Without clear context, the phrase can be ambiguous and lose its intended impact. Example: "The company distanced themselves..." should be "The company distanced themselves from the controversial marketing campaign."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distance themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is performing an action (distancing) upon themselves. Ludwig AI confirms this is a commonly used construction in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distance themselves" is a versatile reflexive verb phrase that describes actions taken to create separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and very common, particularly in News & Media. This phrase indicates actions taken to create space and can be related to "separate themselves", "withdraw themselves", or "disengage themselves". While its use can sometimes carry negative implications, it’s crucial to consider the context to understand the motivation behind the act of distancing. When writing, specify the object/person of this separation to avoid ambiguity. By understanding the different nuances of this term, you can ensure clear communication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate themselves

A general term indicating a physical or metaphorical division from others, without necessarily implying negativity or avoidance.

detach themselves

Indicates a deliberate attempt to reduce emotional involvement or attachment to something, often to maintain objectivity or composure.

dissociate themselves

Implies a deliberate act of severing ties or connections with something, often to avoid being associated with negative aspects or consequences.

withdraw themselves

Implies a retreat from a situation or relationship, often due to discomfort, disagreement, or a desire to avoid confrontation.

disengage themselves

Suggests withdrawing from involvement or participation in something, often to protect oneself or to avoid conflict.

divorce themselves

Suggests a formal or decisive separation from something, often implying a complete and irreversible break.

abstain from

Denotes refraining from participating in or associating with something, often due to moral or ethical considerations.

segregate themselves

Indicates a separation based on social or cultural differences, potentially implying a desire to maintain distinct identities or boundaries.

isolate themselves

Suggests a complete withdrawal from social contact or interaction, often due to feelings of loneliness or alienation.

alienate themselves

Implies actions that cause others to feel estranged or hostile, leading to a state of separation and isolation.

FAQs

What does "distance themselves" mean?

The phrase "distance themselves" means to create or maintain a physical, emotional, or ideological separation from something or someone.

How can I use "distance themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "distance themselves" to describe actions taken to create space or separation. For example: "Politicians often "dissociate themselves" from controversial policies to maintain public support."

What are some alternatives to "distance themselves"?

Alternatives include phrases like "separate themselves", "withdraw themselves", or "disengage themselves", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it always negative to "distance themselves"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply avoiding responsibility or disapproval, "distance themselves" can also describe actions taken to protect oneself, maintain objectivity, or establish independence. It depends on the context.