distancing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'distancing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb, noun, or adjective to indicate physical or emotional separation. Example sentence: We implemented social distancing measures to maintain the health and safety of our employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She delivered these facts in a cold, steady voice, obviously distancing herself from the nightmare for the sake of self-preservation.

The Guardian

Following an uproar, including distancing statements from the show's sponsors and now a petition, Kills and Moon were shown the door.

The Guardian - Music

Here's Lenore: Senator elect Ricky Muir will make his own voting decisions and will work with any political party that "shares his values" his Motoring Enthusiast party says, deliberately distancing itself from the Palmer United party within weeks of the start of the new Senate.

The Guardian

Distancing itself from Hollywood is essential to establishing a strong sense of independence and self in British film.

The Guardian

Dominic Grieve, the former attorney general, led a group of senior Tories who warned of the dangers of withdrawing from the convention or even of distancing the UK from the document drawn up in the wake of the second world war.

The Guardian

This was doubly disturbing for a community whose ancient funereal ceremonies lay great store by ritual purification and distancing the living from the 'contagion' of a corpse.

The Guardian

Last week, a representative of Koch Industries sent a letter to members of the Senate distancing the company from efforts to defund Obamacare, while still making it clear that Koch really does not like the law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Geelani seems to be distancing himself from militants who continue not to countenance ever talking to the national government.

The Economist

But Mr Khamenei is known for first supporting, then distancing himself from, presidents elected beneath him.

The Economist

But he was trounced in a Senate race last year by Rand Paul, viewed as extreme even by many Republicans.Democrats in those three fringe states tend to succeed by distancing themselves from the national party.

The Economist

… By distancing itself from the definition and defence of public interest, the political elite has allowed a democratic deficit to develop.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distancing" in the context of relationships or affiliations, consider whether you want to emphasize physical separation, emotional detachment, or a strategic move. Choose related terms that accurately represent your intentions.

Common error

Avoid using "distancing" interchangeably for emotional and physical contexts without clear qualifiers. Specify whether you are referring to a physical separation, like social distancing, or an emotional detachment, as they convey different meanings.

Linguistic Context

The term "distancing" functions primarily as a present participle or gerund, often used to describe an action or process of creating separation, either physically or emotionally. This is supported by Ludwig, which lists both verb and noun forms. The examples provided show its use in contexts ranging from political strategy to personal coping mechanisms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "distancing" is a versatile word frequently used to describe the act of creating separation, whether physical or emotional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions grammatically as both a verb and a noun. Its usage is prevalent in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discourse. Related phrases include "creating separation" and "maintaining distance", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using "distancing", it's essential to clarify the specific type of separation you intend to convey. Common errors include using it interchangeably for emotional and physical contexts without proper qualification. Overall, "distancing" is a valuable term for describing strategic or behavioral patterns involving withdrawal or avoidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining distance

This suggests keeping a separation that already exists, rather than initiating it.

keeping apart

This denotes maintaining a spatial separation, often for safety or strategic reasons.

creating separation

This alternative highlights the act of making space or a gap between things or people, focusing on the creation of distance.

detaching oneself

This implies a more emotional or psychological withdrawal.

establishing boundaries

This phrase emphasizes setting limits or perimeters, often in a more formal or interpersonal context.

removing oneself

This suggests physically leaving or withdrawing from a situation.

avoiding contact

This focuses specifically on preventing physical or direct interaction.

steering clear of

This emphasizes avoiding something potentially problematic or dangerous.

creating aloofness

This alternative focuses on making an emotional distance, implying a sense of detachment and superiority.

standing aside

This implies taking a neutral or non-participatory stance.

FAQs

How is "distancing" used in the context of social interactions?

"Distancing" in social interactions typically refers to creating or maintaining a physical, emotional, or social gap between individuals or groups, often to manage relationships or avoid conflict. Alternatives include "creating separation" or "establishing boundaries".

What are some alternatives to using the word "distancing"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "distancing" include phrases like "detaching oneself" (for emotional withdrawal), "avoiding contact" (for physical separation), or "maintaining distance" (for already established separation).

How does "distancing" differ from "alienating"?

"Distancing" generally implies creating a gap or separation, while "alienating" suggests causing someone to feel isolated or estranged. "Distancing" can be a neutral or strategic act, whereas "alienating" usually has negative connotations. Consider using "creating aloofness".

Is it correct to use "distancing" to describe both physical and emotional separation?

Yes, "distancing" can be used to describe both physical and emotional separation, but it's important to provide context to clarify which type of separation you're referring to. If clarity is needed, use alternatives like "avoiding contact" for physical and "detaching oneself" for emotional separation.