drift apart from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drift apart from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is usually used to indicate that two people or groups of people have become distant over time due to a lack of communication and interaction. For example, "Over the years, due to geographic distance, John and Mary have drifted apart from one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The unease we felt was about the privileges we had — the education and opportunities that were making us drift apart from the rest of our family — but more precisely, it was about money and class and guilt.

The New Yorker

The taoiseach added that the deal would ensure Northern Ireland will not drift apart from the rest of the UK.

BBC

Since the watershed lag time in this method is entered into the model as the main parameter, the results may drift apart from actual values in the case, the watershed concentration time is not calculated well.

Applied Water Science

The fate of militant skepticism, whatever it may be, will drift apart from the serious business of doing science.

Huffington Post

The group had started to drift apart from manager Kit Lambert due to his preoccupation with their label, Track Records.

Wikipedia

The two organisations began to drift apart from then onwards, and in 1892 the club attempted to raise £2,000 in share capital to pay off the debts incurred by the expansion of the ground.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Although she drifted apart from the Communists, she remained a committed leftist.

The Guardian

"Modern society is drifting apart from nature and people are not understanding the circle of life.

The New York Times

Like Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, the two of us are apparently linked together, drifting apart from the rest of humankind.

The New Yorker

For reasons they cannot explain, she drifted apart from them more and more as her tennis career progressed.

The New York Times - Sports

Bassist Hook, who had drifted apart from his bandmates over the years, finally left New Order in 2007.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drift apart from" to describe a gradual and often unintentional separation between people or entities over time, particularly when a lack of effort to maintain the relationship is implied. For example, "After college, many friends often "drift apart from" each other as they pursue different careers and life paths."

Common error

Avoid using "drift apart from" when describing a sudden or intentional separation. Instead, use phrases like "separate", "break up", or "divorce" for more deliberate actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drift apart from" functions as a prepositional verb phrase, indicating a gradual separation or estrangement. Ludwig examples show its use in describing relationships weakening over time. It requires a subject (the entity drifting) and an object (the entity being drifted away from).

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drift apart from" is a grammatically correct prepositional verb phrase used to describe a gradual separation or estrangement between entities. Ludwig AI confirms that it is indeed a correct and usable phrase. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. To avoid misusing it, remember that it suggests a slow, often unintentional process. When describing a deliberate decision, use alternative phrases like "separate from" or "distance oneself from".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow distant from

This alternative focuses on the increasing emotional distance between parties, shifting the emphasis from physical separation to emotional disconnect.

become estranged from

This phrase suggests a more formal and potentially permanent separation, often implying a breakdown in relationships.

fall out with

This indicates a breakdown in relationship, and focuses on the breaking moment and a conflict, while "drift apart from" denotes a gradual and subtle separation.

lose touch with

This option highlights the decline in communication and contact between individuals, emphasizing the weakening of connections.

separate from

This alternative denotes a more definitive and intentional severing of ties, differing from the gradual and unintentional nature of "drift apart from".

diverge from

This phrase is suitable when describing the separation of paths or ideas, rather than relationships.

become alienated from

This suggests a sense of isolation and disconnection, implying a significant emotional or ideological gap.

part ways with

This alternative suggests a conscious decision to go in different directions, lacking the passive implication of "drift apart from".

distance oneself from

This implies a deliberate act of creating space, in contrast to the more passive and gradual process of drifting apart.

weaken ties with

This alternative emphasizes the deterioration of connections over time, highlighting the diminishing strength of the bond.

FAQs

What does it mean when people "drift apart from" each other?

When people "drift apart from" each other, it means they gradually become less close over time, often due to changes in their lives, interests, or geographical distance.

How can I prevent myself and my friends from "drifting apart from" each other?

To prevent "drifting apart", make a conscious effort to stay connected. Schedule regular calls, plan visits, and actively participate in each other's lives.

What are some signs that you are "drifting apart from" someone?

Signs include decreased communication, less shared interests, a feeling of distance despite physical proximity, and a general decline in the depth of your interactions.

Is "drifting apart from" someone always a bad thing?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, "drifting apart" is a natural part of life as people evolve and their paths diverge. It doesn't always signify a negative event, but rather a change in the relationship dynamic.