drifted apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drifted apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more people or things have gradually become distant or less connected over time. Example: "After years of friendship, they slowly drifted apart due to their differing life choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We drifted apart.

The New York Times

'We've drifted apart.

Independent

How they have drifted apart!

Independent

We have drifted apart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Later they drifted apart.

The Guardian - Music

Koons and the girl drifted apart.

The New Yorker

I'm sorry that we drifted apart, Richie.

The New York Times

Lisa and John sort of drifted apart.

The Guardian

But as teenagers we drifted apart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gradually she and her husband drifted apart.

The New York Times - Books

We drifted apart and got it together.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drifted apart" to describe a gradual separation rather than a sudden falling out. It implies a lack of specific conflict or event causing the distance.

Common error

Avoid using "drifted apart" to describe relationships that ended due to a specific argument or event. This phrase suggests a gradual, often unintentional separation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drifted apart" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a gradual separation or distancing, often in relationships or associations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard English expression used to describe this process, as shown in many real world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drifted apart" is a commonly used phrasal verb that describes a gradual separation or distancing between people or entities, often without a specific cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent use across various contexts, from personal relationships to abstract concepts, indicates its versatility and broad applicability. This guide provides insights into its grammatical correctness, offers alternative phrases like "grew distant", and highlights its primary usage in news and media. Understanding its nuances and potential misuses ensures effective communication in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew apart over time

Highlights the temporal aspect of the distancing process.

grew distant

Focuses on the gradual emotional or relational distancing between individuals.

distanced themselves

Focuses on the active effort by one or more parties to create distance.

became estranged

Implies a more formal or definitive separation, often with negative connotations.

became disconnected

Emphasizes the loss of a sense of connection or alignment.

parted ways

Suggests a conscious decision to separate, whether amicable or not.

relationships waned

Highlights the decrease in strength and intensity of the bond.

lost touch

Emphasizes the decline in communication and connection over time.

fell out of contact

Similar to 'lost touch' but can imply a more abrupt cessation of communication.

severed ties

Indicates a complete and often intentional breaking of a relationship.

FAQs

What does it mean when people say they "drifted apart"?

When people say they "drifted apart", it means that their relationship gradually weakened over time, typically without a major conflict or specific event causing the separation.

Is it better to say "grew apart" or "drifted apart"?

Both "drifted apart" and "grew apart" are similar, but "drifted apart" suggests a more passive and unintentional process, while "grew apart" can imply a more conscious divergence in interests or values.

What are some common reasons why people "drift apart"?

Common reasons people "drift apart" include differing life stages, changing priorities, geographical distance, and a gradual decline in communication or shared interests.

How can I prevent myself and a friend from "drifting apart"?

To prevent "drifting apart", make a conscious effort to maintain regular communication, prioritize spending quality time together, and actively nurture shared interests or experiences.