drifting further from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drifting further from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual movement away from a particular point, idea, or relationship over time. Example: "As the years went by, they found themselves drifting further from their original goals and aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

James Franco is the soulful young actor who makes it only too clear that she is drifting further from her intended course.

The New York Times - Arts

Billy Crudup is the husband she leaves before her journey of liberation; James Franco is the soulful young actor who makes it only too clear that she is drifting further from her intended course.

The New York Times

The result has been a game of Chinese whispers, preserved in the digital amber of the internet; each attempt to retell the story drifting further from the original truth, and leaving the public more confused than ever.

The Guardian

When he got resistance from fellow members of the band, Wilson, drifting further from reality, pulled the plug.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As our family made a life in New York, we only drifted further from our Indian heritage.

The New York Times

And yet with the uncovering of each new fact the truth of Iran-Contra seems to drift further from our grasp.

The New Yorker

But the very modesty of Mr. Brahimi's proposal seemed to be an indication that in recent months the conflict has drifted further from resolution.

The New York Times

Under Bill Clinton and the younger George Bush, America has drifted further from its commitment to global free trade, and is thus less able to criticise others.

The Economist

Good, clean ish) hedonism remains the order of the day, although T in the Park continues to drift further from its indie-rock remit: the Stone Roses (piped on stage to the strains of Scotland the Brave) and Catfish and the Bottlemen are received like returning monarchs, but many of the weekend's biggest draws are blokes behind decks.

The Guardian - Music

THE economy is "closer to overheating than it has been in a long time", said Eddie George, governor of the Bank of England, on June 16th, after it was announced that the all-items inflation rate had hit 4.2%, its highest level since 1992, and the underlying rate (ie, excluding mortgage-interest payments) had drifted further from its 2.5% target, reaching 3.2% in May (see chart).

The Economist

The researchers found that, as the amount of information participants were given about each others guesses increased, the range of their guesses got narrower, and the centre of this range could drift further from the true value.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drifting further from" to describe a gradual and continuous movement away from a specific point, idea, or relationship. It suggests a slow and often unintentional separation.

Common error

Avoid using "drifting further from" to describe sudden or intentional departures. This phrase implies a slow and gradual process, not a quick decision or action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drifting further from" functions as a modifier, describing a gradual movement or deviation from a particular state, idea, or relationship. As Ludwig AI points out, this suggests a slow and often unintentional separation. For example, one might drift further from their goals or values over time.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drifting further from" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for describing a gradual movement away from something. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register. When using the phrase, it's important to convey the sense of a slow and often unintentional separation, as opposed to a sudden or deliberate departure. Consider alternatives like "moving away from" or "straying further from" to refine the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving away from

Indicates a general shift in position or direction.

straying further from

Emphasizes a deviation from a correct or desired path.

diverging further from

Highlights a growing difference in opinion or direction.

veering away from

Suggests a sudden change in course or direction.

deviating further from

Implies a departure from an established standard or norm.

distancing oneself from

Focuses on the act of creating emotional or physical separation.

growing apart from

Highlights a gradual loss of connection or intimacy.

becoming alienated from

Indicates a state of estrangement or disconnection.

inching away from

Suggests a slow, subtle movement away from something.

receding from

Implies a gradual withdrawal or fading away.

FAQs

How can I use "drifting further from" in a sentence?

You can use "drifting further from" to describe a gradual movement away from something. For example, "As the years passed, they found themselves "drifting further from" their original goals".

What are some alternatives to "drifting further from"?

Alternatives include "moving away from", "straying further from", or "diverging further from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "drifting further away from" instead of "drifting further from"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "drifting further from" is more concise. The addition of "away" is often redundant, as "drifting" already implies a movement away.

What's the difference between "drifting further from" and "moving away from"?

"Drifting further from" implies a more passive and gradual process, while "moving away from" can suggest a more deliberate or active choice.