drifted apart from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drifted apart from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual separation or loss of closeness between people or groups over time. Example: "Over the years, they drifted apart from each other, each pursuing their own interests and lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

The soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices — which in the hymn move in rhythmic unison — drifted apart from one another, like slow bubbles rising in a dense liquid.

The New Yorker

Words scroll on a screen at the back of the stage not only to inform but to show how voices have drifted apart from their words.

The Guardian

"It's divorce-like," Mr. Swinton said, "in the sense that there was a lengthy and very close relationship and the people drifted apart from the stresses that you encounter".

The New York Times

A long time ago she had had friends of her own — Zhao Ping, Zhang Lini, and Shen Ning — but she had drifted apart from them after her marriage, hanging out with Li Hanlin's pals, chatting and joking with them, going shopping with their wives.

The New Yorker

To my parents' relief, I soon drifted apart from Linda and Sam, and I've barely given Page 3 a thought since, tending to assume campaigners seeking to ban the boob were killjoys who didn't grasp the seaside sauciness of our national character.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"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

Seth Rogen is also said to be in talks to play Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who left the company after drifting apart from Jobs in 1987.

Independent

The long hours mean that she drifts apart from her do-gooding college boyfriend, and she is at the shows in Paris when her best friend is involved in a serious car crash.

The Guardian - Books

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drifted apart from" to describe a gradual and often unintentional separation. It's suitable for relationships, groups, or ideas that have lost their closeness over time.

Common error

Avoid using "drifted apart from" when describing sudden or contentious separations. Phrases like "split up" or "broke ties" are more appropriate for those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drifted apart from" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual separation or distancing between two or more entities. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drifted apart from" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a gradual separation or weakening of a relationship or connection. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. As illustrated by the examples provided, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts and is considered to have a neutral register. Related phrases include "grew distant from" and "lost touch with". When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it accurately reflects a gradual and unintentional separation, as opposed to a sudden or contentious one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost touch with

Suggests a gradual decrease in communication and connection.

grew distant from

Indicates an increase in emotional or physical distance over time.

distanced themselves from

Highlights a conscious effort to create space between individuals or groups.

diverged from

Suggests a deviation in opinion, path, or direction.

became estranged from

Suggests a more formal and often more severe separation.

separated from

A general term for becoming physically or emotionally divided.

parted ways with

Implies a deliberate decision to separate, often in a professional context.

withdrew from

Implies a retreat from a relationship or situation.

branched off from

Implies a divergence, often used in the context of organizations or groups.

fell out with

Indicates a breakdown in a relationship, often involving conflict.

FAQs

What does "drifted apart from" mean?

The phrase "drifted apart from" means that people or things gradually became less close or connected over time, usually without a specific, dramatic event causing the separation.

How can I use "drifted apart from" in a sentence?

You can use "drifted apart from" to describe relationships or connections that have weakened. For example: "After college, they "grew distant from" each other".

What are some alternatives to "drifted apart from"?

Some alternatives to "drifted apart from" include "lost touch with", "grew distant from", or "became estranged from". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "drifted apart from each other"?

Yes, "drifted apart from each other" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It emphasizes the mutual aspect of the separation.