drift

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'drift' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the motion of something moving slowly and continuously in a particular direction, as in: The leaves drifted down from the tree, blanketing the ground in a layer of golden-orange.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then, in the mid-1980s, there began a silent drift away from the family.

The Guardian

It is aimed also at stemming the drift that has seen Labour and the Lib Dem's cosying up together on Europe, constituency boundary changes and media regulation post-Leveson.

The Guardian

Listen to the line: "All my cares just drift right into space", and how the word "space" sounds precisely like breathing out slowly and looking up at a huge blue sky.

The Guardian - Music

This rightward drift of the movement would probably be more alarming to liberals if it wasn't so objectively risky for GOP.

The Guardian - Opinion

In recent years, an ideological drift has torn at the UK from different directions.

The Guardian

What has characterised recent history is the drift from parliamentary to executive government, a move from open to closed government.

The Guardian

Zawraq started to drift in the ante-post market for Saturday's Classic as soon as news of his setback emerged and had eased to a top price of 7-1 with Paddy Power and Stan James on Tuesday afternoon.

The Guardian - Sport

She accuses the prime minister of neglecting wise counsel (including, we presume, her own) and permitting a drift away from "commitment to the rule of law" and "international justice".

The Guardian - Opinion

In the dressing room after the concert in Prague, a couple of Czech teenagers drift up to the British beat group and ask for hashish.

The Guardian

As these people drift and dream we see, through their eyes, street scenes of utter beauty, and we hear, through their ears, Malian Oumou Sangaré's gorgeous score.

The Guardian - Film

He does spin the ball more than most fingerspinners, not in the same division as Graeme Swann but enough, at his best, to get good drift away from the right-hander and turn and bounce in.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drift", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the movement is literal (physical displacement) or figurative (a gradual change in thought or behavior).

Common error

Avoid using "drift" when a more direct or forceful action is intended. "Drift" often implies a lack of control or purpose, so consider alternatives if you want to convey intention or agency.

Linguistic Context

The word "drift" functions primarily as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the act of moving slowly and continuously due to external forces. As a noun, it refers to the movement itself or a general tendency, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

25%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "drift" is a versatile term used both as a noun and a verb, primarily to describe a slow, often undirected movement or a gradual change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. The term is frequently found in News & Media, Sport, and Travel writing, indicating its widespread use. While "drift" is commonly employed, understanding its connotation of gradual change or lack of control is crucial for accurate and impactful writing. For alternative phrasing, consider "move aimlessly" or "gradual shift" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move aimlessly

Emphasizes the lack of a specific goal or destination in the movement.

gradual shift

Highlights a slow and subtle change in position or state.

unintended deviation

Focuses on the accidental or unplanned nature of moving away from a set course.

wander idly

Implies a relaxed and unhurried manner of moving without purpose.

veer slightly

Describes a small and often unintentional change in direction.

glide smoothly

Focuses on the graceful and effortless quality of the movement.

meander slowly

Suggests a winding and leisurely path of movement.

float gently

Emphasizes the lightness and buoyancy of the movement.

progress gradually

Implies a slow but steady advancement over time.

slide uncontrollably

Highlights the lack of control and potential danger in the movement.

FAQs

How can I use "drift" in a sentence?

You can use "drift" to describe a slow movement, a gradual change, or a lack of direction. For example, "The boat began to drift out to sea," or "There's been a slow drift toward more conservative policies".

What are some synonyms for "drift"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "drift" include "wander", "float", "veer", or "trend".

Is it correct to say something is "left to drift"?

Yes, "left to drift" implies that something is being neglected or allowed to proceed without guidance or intervention. For instance, "The project was left to drift after the manager resigned".

What is the difference between "drift" and "diverge"?

"Drift" suggests a gradual and often unintentional movement or change, while "diverge" implies a more distinct and intentional separation or branching off from a set path or idea.