drifting apart

USAGE SUMMARY

'drifting apart' is a perfectly acceptable and common phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a growing sense of distance between two people or two things that were once close. For example: "We used to be inseparable, but after going to college we slowly began to drift apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're pretty much drifting apart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The continents are without doubt drifting apart.

The Guardian

However, Kinnear and Zellweger are drifting apart.

The Guardian - Film

Now, the United States and Europe are drifting apart.

University of California, Berkeley

The two countries have been drifting apart ever since.

The New Yorker

My money and I seem to be drifting apart.

The New York Times - Magazine

Another factor hurt his studies: his parents were drifting apart.

The Guardian

Following Taylor's exoneration, they had a reunion before drifting apart.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, specific groupings of macromolecules would be maintained, rather than drifting apart.

University of California, Berkeley

As a result, she found me extremely unsympathetic, and we spent most of those two years on separate emotional islands, drifting apart, getting closer, drifting apart.

The New York Times - Health

Passing laws may not be enough to stem the drifting apart of the races.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drifting apart" to describe a gradual process of separation rather than a sudden event. This phrase is most effective when highlighting the subtle ways relationships or entities become distant over time.

Common error

Avoid using "drifting apart" when you mean something is disintegrating or collapsing. "Drifting apart" refers to separation, while "falling apart" implies structural or functional failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drifting apart" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe a gradual process of separation or divergence between two or more entities, whether they are people, objects, or abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drifting apart" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe a gradual separation or divergence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic writing. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. When using "drifting apart", it's important to emphasize the subtle and gradual nature of the separation, distinguishing it from more sudden or abrupt breaks. Alternatives such as "growing distant" or "losing touch" can be used to add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing distant

Focuses on the increasing emotional or physical distance between entities.

diverging paths

Emphasizes the separation of journeys or directions, often in a metaphorical sense.

becoming estranged

Highlights a loss of affection or familiarity, leading to a formal separation.

losing touch

Indicates a gradual reduction in communication and connection.

separating ways

Implies a conscious decision to go in different directions.

falling out

Suggests a disagreement or conflict that leads to separation.

parting company

Indicates a formal or definitive separation.

moving away from

Emphasizes the act of physically or emotionally distancing oneself.

becoming disconnected

Focuses on a lack of communication or emotional connection.

breaking up

Implies the end of a relationship, often a romantic one.

FAQs

How can I use "drifting apart" in a sentence?

You can use "drifting apart" to describe the gradual separation of people, ideas, or even continents. For example: "After college, we started "drifting apart" as our interests changed."

What's a good way to describe a gradual separation?

Instead of saying a sudden event caused a separation, use "drifting apart" to describe a gradual disconnect. It helps to emphasize the subtle ways relationships become distant over time.

What can I say instead of "drifting apart"?

You can use alternatives like "growing distant", "becoming estranged", or "losing touch" depending on the context.

Is "drifting apart" only used for people?

No, "drifting apart" can describe various entities. It can be used for continents, political alliances, or even ideas, as long as the context involves a gradual separation or divergence.