drifting into the void

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drifting into the void" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sense of aimlessness or losing oneself in an empty or undefined space, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "As I lay on the grass, staring at the stars, I felt myself drifting into the void, lost in my thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At the same time, the spinning gravitational, emotional, father-son heart of the book keeps the novel's atmosphere from drifting into the void of cold intellectual space.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Drifting Into Nothingness.

Vice

They're drifting into the past.

The Guardian - Film

I drifted into the sea at night.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thus he drifted into the business.

The New Yorker

The case drifted into the inactive file.

The New York Times

Their fight drifted into the night.

The New Yorker

The ice shelf drifted into the Arctic Ocean.

Wikipedia

I do not want to drift into the regrets thing.

Huffington Post

It'll drift into the air.

WikiHow

Black Sabbath--Into the Void.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drifting into the void" when you want to evoke a sense of passivity and lack of control, suggesting a gradual movement towards a state of emptiness or oblivion. It is particularly effective in describing emotional states or the decline of something over time.

Common error

While "drifting into the void" can be used literally to describe an object moving into empty space, it's most impactful when used metaphorically to depict emotional, psychological, or abstract concepts. Overusing it in purely physical descriptions can diminish its evocative power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drifting into the void" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes an action or state of motion towards a condition of emptiness or nothingness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, conveying a sense of aimlessness or losing oneself.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drifting into the void" is a grammatically correct and evocative expression used to describe a passive movement toward emptiness, loss, or oblivion. As Ludwig AI highlights, its primary function is to convey a sense of decline or aimlessness, particularly in emotional or psychological contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, with a register ranging from neutral to formal. While its usage is not exceptionally common, it provides a potent way to describe states of despair, detachment, or gradual decline. Consider alternatives like "floating into oblivion" or "sinking into nothingness" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Floating into oblivion

This alternative emphasizes the lack of awareness and the finality of the destination, implying a complete disappearance or cessation of existence.

Falling into emptiness

This highlights the lack of substance or content in the destination, suggesting a state of emotional or spiritual desolation.

Sinking into nothingness

This suggests a slow, irreversible decline into a state of non-existence or insignificance, highlighting the passive nature of the process.

Lost in the immensity

Highlights the feeling of being overwhelmed and insignificant within a vast, undefined space.

Fading into obscurity

This implies a gradual loss of visibility or recognition, suggesting a decline in importance or relevance over time.

Succumbing to oblivion

Emphasizes the yielding or giving in to a state of being completely forgotten or unknown.

Descending into the abyss

This alternative evokes a sense of dread and peril, emphasizing the negative and potentially dangerous nature of the destination.

Wandering into the unknown

This focuses on the uncertainty and lack of familiarity associated with the destination, emphasizing the exploratory aspect of the journey.

Sliding into apathy

This suggests a gradual decline into a state of indifference or lack of concern, highlighting the emotional detachment involved.

Dissolving into the infinite

Suggests a merging or blending with an endless and boundless space, focusing on the loss of individual identity.

FAQs

How can I use "drifting into the void" in a sentence?

You can use "drifting into the void" to describe a gradual loss of purpose, a decline in mental state, or a feeling of detachment from reality. For example, "After losing his job, he felt himself "drifting into the void"." You can also use it to describe physical displacement into the abyss.

What does "drifting into the void" mean?

"Drifting into the void" typically means a slow, almost passive movement toward a state of emptiness, oblivion, or nothingness. It can be literal, as in something floating into empty space, or metaphorical, describing a mental or emotional state.

What are some phrases similar to "drifting into the void"?

Similar phrases include "floating into oblivion", "sinking into nothingness", or "fading into obscurity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "drifting into the void" a negative expression?

Generally, yes. "Drifting into the void" carries a negative connotation, suggesting a loss of control, purpose, or hope. However, context is crucial; sometimes it can simply describe a neutral movement into empty space.