distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "distant" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical separation between two people, places, or ideas. For example, "The two countries have a distant diplomatic relationship, and very few contact is made between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Relationships with Iraqis were much more distant, and Americans much more isolated, owing to security restrictions and other factors.

The Economist

Labour MPs admit privately they are all deeply worried about the SNP surge, which allows the SNP to challenge for seats where it was previously a distant also-ran.

The Guardian

David Cameron's party look well placed to topple Lib Dem incumbents in seats like Mid Dorset and North Poole, and St Austell and Newquay, where Labour was a distant third in 2010.

The Guardian

She has been at the distant women's penal colony since October, serving the remainder of a two-year sentence on charges of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred".

The Guardian - Music

Because if the Tories emerge as the largest single party, they and their cheerleaders will claim at least a partial victory no matter how distant they are from a Commons majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Isobel Pooley came a distant third when Katarina Johnson-Thompson jumped 1.96m at the national indoor championships in February.

The Guardian - Sport

In English seats where the Lib Dems are defending from the Tories and Labour is a distant third, Labour voters might choose to vote for the Lib Dems to keep the Tories out.

The Guardian

A handful of nationalist MPs from the more distant Celtic parts of Britain have traditionally been noisy but not important.

The Guardian

Every canvasser is defeated by the mind-blowing ignorance of those for whom "politics" is not on their radar, unaware how their daily struggles will be fought out in distant Westminster.

The Guardian - Opinion

This late-night Glasgow jazz festival gig (he also plays Ronnie Scott's on 4 & 5 Jul) presents Dave with his own Drumhedz group, the rotating cast first glimpsed in the UK at last year's London jazz festival, fusing music by Hendrix, D'Angelo, Radiohead or J Dilla with their updates on distant jazz classics.

The Guardian - Music

In general, spaces between men and women, especially in public, are defined as distant.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distant" to convey a sense of physical separation, emotional detachment, or remoteness in time or concept.

Common error

Avoid using "distant" when you need a noun referring to the amount of space between two points. For the noun, use "distance" instead. For example, say "the distance between the Earth and the Sun" not "the distant between the Earth and the Sun".

Linguistic Context

The word "distant" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate spatial separation, emotional detachment, or temporal remoteness. As Ludwig shows, it is used to describe physical locations, relationships, and time periods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Travel

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Music

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distant" is an adjective used to describe separation in space, time, or emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency of use, particularly in news and media contexts. To avoid errors, remember that "distant" is an adjective and should not be confused with the noun "distance". Consider alternatives like "remote" or "aloof" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remote

Similar to "distant", emphasizing physical or emotional separation.

far-off

Indicates a location or time that is physically or conceptually remote.

far away

A more literal expression of physical distance.

aloof

Describes emotional distance or detachment.

isolated

Suggests being separated from others, either physically or emotionally.

detached

Indicates a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

removed

Highlights a state of being separate or disconnected.

unreachable

Implies something is not able to be reached or contacted.

in the distance

Refers to something seen or heard at a considerable range.

emotionally unavailable

Specifically describes a person who is unwilling or unable to form emotional connections.

FAQs

How can I use "distant" in a sentence?

You can use "distant" to describe physical separation (e.g., "a distant star"), emotional detachment (e.g., "a distant relative"), or remoteness in time (e.g., "distant past").

What are some synonyms for "distant"?

Alternatives for "distant" include "remote", "aloof", "far off", and "detached", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "distant memory" or "distance memory"?

"Distant memory" is correct. "Distant" is an adjective describing the memory as being far removed in time. "Distance" is a noun, and doesn't fit in this context.

When should I use "distant" versus "distance"?

Use "distant" as an adjective to describe something that is far away or detached. Use "distance" as a noun to refer to the amount of space between two points.