drive apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drive apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of causing two or more people or things to become distant or separated from each other, either physically or emotionally. Example: "The constant arguments began to drive them apart, leading to the end of their relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Yet they'll live just a 15-minute drive apart.

The Guardian

Here, extended families can be found settled a short drive apart.

The New York Times

The teams' stadiums are only about a two-hour drive apart.

The New York Times - Sports

Several checkpoints may punctuate a journey between cities that would otherwise be less than an hour's drive apart.

The Economist

The Browns are getting close, just as these two cities are close, about a two-hour drive apart.

The New York Times - Sports

The two industrial giants are a 20-minute drive apart, and she was approached to appear in the video after a women's networking event involving the companies.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Andras and Klara are driven apart; he and his brothers end up in labor battalions.

The New Yorker

George Osborne and David Cameron are bound to be driven apart because their interests clash.

Independent

The young shepherd and shepherdess of the title are driven apart through a misunderstanding.

The New Yorker

Lovborg and Tesman were youthful friends driven apart by academic rivalry.

The New York Times

The American indie rockers were driven apart by "deception, disloyalty [and] greed", according to guitarist Blake Sennett.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drive apart", consider the emotional impact you want to convey. It often implies a gradual and sometimes unwanted separation, so ensure it fits the context appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "drive apart" when describing a sudden or abrupt separation. The phrase suggests a process, not an immediate event.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "drive apart" functions as a causative verb, indicating that something or someone is causing a separation or estrangement between two or more entities. This usage is supported by Ludwig, highlighting its role in describing the dynamics of relationships and situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "drive apart" describes the process of separation or estrangement, often gradually. Ludwig AI indicates that its grammatical status is correct and is employed in contexts like News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While "drive apart" is not overly common, you should consider its gradual implication of separation and try not to use it to replace terms which imply sudden separation. Consider alternatives like "cause dissension" or "rupture relationships" if you need to communicate sudden separations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rupture relationships

Emphasizes the breaking or damaging of connections between people.

damage bonds

Focuses on harming the emotional or social connections between people.

create division

Highlights the act of forming separate groups or factions.

estrange individuals

Highlights the act of causing people to become alienated or distant.

foster separation

Focuses on encouraging or nurturing the state of being separate.

cause dissension

Focuses on creating disagreement or conflict as the primary action.

alienate parties

Emphasizes causing different groups or sides to become hostile or indifferent.

undermine unity

Highlights the weakening or destruction of togetherness or harmony.

sow discord

Emphasizes the act of introducing disharmony or strife.

exacerbate conflict

Focuses on intensifying or worsening existing disagreements or disputes.

FAQs

What does "drive apart" mean?

The phrase "drive apart" means to cause people or things to become separated, distant, or estranged from one another, often gradually over time.

What are some synonyms for "drive apart"?

Some synonyms for "drive apart" include "separate", "alienate", "estrange", or "divide".

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

You can use "drive apart" in a sentence like this: "The constant arguments began to drive them apart, leading to the end of their relationship."

Is there a difference between "drive apart" and "tear apart"?

Yes, "drive apart" implies a gradual separation, while "tear apart" suggests a more sudden and violent separation. "Tear apart" often involves strong emotions and a more destructive outcome.