drift apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"drift apart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when two people, objects, or ideas are gradually becoming more distant or dissimilar. For example: As they got older, the close friendship between the two cousins started to drift apart.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's how families drift apart.

The New Yorker

The boys subsequently drift apart.

The Economist

The hands drift apart.

The Guardian - Books

The two drift apart.

The New Yorker

They drift apart.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Iversen and her siblings drift apart.

The New York Times - Books

"People just drift apart naturally," he says.

The New York Times

Distance tends to make creatures drift apart.

The Washington Post

As in marriages, some partners naturally drift apart.

The Guardian

The playwrights begin to break up and drift apart.

The New York Times

He and his wife started to drift apart.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drift apart" to describe a gradual process of separation, whether it's between people, ideas, or even physical objects. The emphasis is on the lack of a specific event causing the separation.

Common error

Avoid using "drift apart" when describing an abrupt end to a relationship or partnership caused by a specific event. "Break up" or "split" are more appropriate in such cases. "Drift apart" implies a gradual distancing over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "drift apart" functions as an intransitive verb, describing a process where two or more entities gradually become less connected. This usage is supported by Ludwig and evidenced in numerous examples where relationships, ideas, or even physical entities are described as separating over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "drift apart" describes a gradual separation or weakening of connections, whether between people, ideas, or objects. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. It's most commonly found in news and media, reflecting its use in explaining evolving relationships and diverging paths. While "grow distant" or "lose touch" can serve as alternatives, it's important to remember that "drift apart" specifically implies a slow, undirected process rather than a sudden break. This nuanced understanding ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow distant

Focuses more on the emotional or psychological distance that develops.

lose touch

Highlights the lack of communication and contact.

become estranged

Indicates a loss of affection or closeness, often with a sense of alienation.

part ways

Emphasizes the divergence of paths or goals.

fall out

Suggests a more active disagreement or conflict leading to separation.

diverge

Highlights differences emerging and growing over time.

separate

Implies a more formal or definitive split.

widen the gap

Suggests an increasing separation or difference between two or more things.

break up

Typically used for romantic relationships ending.

disunite

A more formal term for becoming divided or separated.

FAQs

How to use "drift apart" in a sentence?

"Drift apart" describes a gradual loss of connection or closeness. For example, "After college, we "grew distant" and started to "drift apart"".

What can I say instead of "drift apart"?

You can use alternatives like "grow distant", "lose touch", or "become estranged" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "drift apart" or "drifted apart"?

"Drift apart" is the base form, while "drifted apart" is the past tense. The correct form depends on the tense of your sentence. For example, "They used to be close, but they drifted apart over time" uses the past tense.

Is "drift apart" only used for relationships?

No, "drift apart" can also be used to describe the gradual divergence of ideas or physical objects. For example, "Over time, their political views began to "diverge" and "drift apart"".