drifting away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drifting away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which something is gradually moving away from something else. For example, "As the boat sailed out to sea, the shoreline became a tiny speck, slowly drifting away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's drifting away".

The New Yorker

Potential suitors keep drifting away.

The New York Times

People began drifting away before he finished.

The New Yorker

Many other Jews are just drifting away.

The New York Times

Drifting away has never been easier.

Independent

The customers began drifting away.

The New Yorker

"My church is drifting away," she said.

The New York Times

"We're not drifting away from our mission.

The New York Times

But we're drifting away from that story line.

The New York Times

The old doubts about the Tories, meanwhile, are drifting away.

The Economist

Peter said, "I didn't understand that Adam was drifting away".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a change, consider the emotional weight of "drifting away". It can imply a sense of loss, neglect, or a natural progression over time.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "drifting away" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "diverging" or "receding" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drifting away" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "drift" with the adverb "away". It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a gradual movement or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English. This function is evident in examples where entities gradually separate, as seen in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drifting away" is a versatile phrasal verb signifying a gradual separation or detachment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and formal settings. The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for a broad audience, and serves to emphasize a gradual shift rather than a sudden break. When seeking alternative expressions, consider options like "moving apart" or "fading away". While generally acceptable, it's crucial to select the most appropriate term for the intended level of formality and precision. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing and ensure clarity in conveying gradual separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving apart

Implies a gradual physical or emotional separation between two or more entities.

growing distant

Indicates an increasing emotional or relational gap between individuals.

fading away

Suggests a gradual disappearance or decline in strength or visibility.

slipping away

Suggests a subtle and often unnoticed departure or loss.

receding

Suggests a gradual movement backward or away from a specific point.

diverging

Indicates a separation of paths or opinions, leading to different directions.

becoming estranged

Signifies a loss of affection or familiarity, leading to alienation.

falling by the wayside

Implies a neglect or abandonment, leading to a decline or failure.

dissipating

Implies a gradual scattering or dissolving of something.

waning

Describes a gradual decrease in power, influence, or intensity.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "drifting away"?

When something is described as "drifting away", it means it is gradually moving or separating from something else, whether physically, emotionally, or figuratively. The "moving apart" can be subtle and may not be immediately noticeable.

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

You can use "drifting away" to describe a variety of situations, such as: "Our friendship started "growing distant" as we pursued different interests," or "The boat was slowly "drifting away" from the shore".

What are some synonyms for "drifting away"?

Some synonyms for "drifting away" include "fading away", "slipping away", "growing distant", and "moving apart". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "drifting away" formal or informal language?

"Drifting away" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or academic writing, more precise alternatives might be preferred.