drift out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drift out" is correct and usable in written English.
Depending on the context, it can have either a literal meaning (e.g., to move away from a shoreline in a directional pattern) or a more figurative meaning (e.g., to move away in a peaceful and unhurried manner, like a dream). Example sentence - As I watched the sun setting on the horizon, I felt my worries drifting out to sea with the tide.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It could drift out to sea and never be missed".

The Guardian

A body thrown in the Hudson might drift out to sea.

The New Yorker

Instead, it towed the Orlova beyond Canadian waters and let it drift out to sea.

Independent

But once you drift out to the cantilevered bar, a sense of flux returns.

The New York Times - Arts

I think he'd prefer to let it all go and just drift out into the ocean".

The Guardian - Film

That's why when their team pushed up a little bit I knew there was room for me to drift out".

The Guardian - Sport

"It's beautiful, huh," Colleen Izutsu from Honolulu said as she watched the lights drift out from shore.

The New York Times

"What I didn't want to do was just drift out on the sport.

BBC

Twice, Stopchargingmaria seemed to drift out and bump, although only slightly, Stellar Wind.

Los Angeles Times

The fracturing increases until the ice shelf calves, or spits off, new icebergs that then drift out to sea.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Drift-out games, such as rummy and kalookie.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drift out" to describe a gradual and often unintentional movement or departure, whether literal (like a boat drifting out to sea) or figurative (like an idea drifting out of one's mind).

Common error

Avoid using "drift out" to describe a sudden or abrupt departure. The phrase implies a gradual and often passive movement, not a quick or decisive exit. For sudden departures, consider alternatives like "rush out" or "bolt".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "drift out" primarily functions as a verb of motion or a verb describing a gradual change of state. Ludwig's examples show its use in both literal senses (objects moving away) and figurative senses (attention waning).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "drift out" describes a gradual movement, departure, or decline, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable across various contexts. It's commonly found in news and media, with a neutral register, suitable for many situations. Remember to use it for gradual rather than sudden movements, and consider synonyms like "fade away" or "lose focus" for alternative expressions. "Drift out" offers a nuanced way to convey the idea of something slowly moving away or diminishing in impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fade away

Implies a gradual disappearance or decline, similar to something slowly "drifting out" of sight or memory.

slip away

Suggests a subtle or unnoticed departure, akin to "drifting out" without attracting attention.

gradually disappear

Emphasizes the slow and progressive nature of vanishing, much like "drifting out" over time.

veer off course

Indicates a deviation from a set path or plan, analogous to "drifting out" from an intended direction.

lose focus

Refers to a gradual decline in concentration or attention, like "drifting out" of awareness.

quietly depart

Highlights the silent and unobtrusive nature of leaving, similar to "drifting out" without causing disruption.

move imperceptibly

Stresses the subtle and almost undetectable movement, akin to "drifting out" with minimal change.

peter out

Suggests a gradual decline to nothing, like energy or interest "drifting out" and diminishing.

dissipate gradually

Focuses on the slow dispersal or disintegration of something, comparable to "drifting out" and fading away.

unwind slowly

Implies a gradual loosening or relaxation, like "drifting out" of a tense situation.

FAQs

How can I use "drift out" in a sentence?

You can use "drift out" to describe something gradually moving away or losing focus. For example, "The boat began to drift out to sea" or "His attention started to drift out during the lecture".

What does "drift out to sea" mean?

"Drift out to sea" typically refers to an object or vessel being carried away from the shore by the current or wind, often implying a loss of control or direction.

What are some alternatives to "drift out"?

Alternatives to "drift out" include "fade away", "slip away", or "lose focus", depending on the specific context.

Is "drift out" formal or informal?

"Drift out" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and more formal contexts, as evidenced by its usage across diverse sources.