getting further apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting further apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more entities are increasing their distance from each other, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "As time went on, their interests began getting further apart, leading to a gradual decline in their friendship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Early last decade, film-maker Errol Morris interviewed Trump about Citizen Kane, and Trump revealed that he connected with "the wealth, the sorrow, the unhappiness", before adding: "The table getting larger and larger, with he and his wife getting further apart as he got wealthier?

The Guardian - Film

"After the riots, I realized that instead of everyone getting closer, we were getting further apart out of misunderstanding and fear," says Cohen, who is perhaps best known for "Joe and Maxi," her 1980 documentary about her relationship with her father.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I don't see why you think the gravitational attraction between 2 bodies (or x) will increase as they get further apart!

Cornell University

As we move outwards from the collision point and the quarks get further apart, the spread of energy covers a larger area.

The Guardian

We would see that while galaxies remain at their locations on the grid, they do seem to get further apart since the grid itself is becoming larger (each cell of our stretchable graph paper would expand).

Cornell University

It is a finite configuration of points, the nodes, in space or the plane where some pairs of the nodes are designated cables, constrained not to get further apart, and some pairs are designated struts, constrained not to get closer together.

Cornell University

It's a Volvo commercial with Jean-Claude Van Damme where he's riding through two 18-wheelers, and the trucks get further apart, and he does the splits.

HuffPost

Single auditory nerve fibers show a decreasing 2f1 –f2 response as the frequencies of two stimulating tones get further apart [15], [16], [28].

Plosone

If the records get further apart after your correction then you corrected in the wrong direction!

WikiHow

"It seemed to me people were getting further and further apart," said Mr. Green, who remains fascinated by the way good storytelling -- whether on Southern porches, in Irish pubs or at Manhattan saloons -- can create a sense of instant community.

The New York Times - Arts

Brad Pitt is developing a curious sort of middle-aged spread that appears to be affecting his face; his cheekbones are getting further and further apart, as if something very heavy is pressing down on his head.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting further apart" to describe not only physical distance but also metaphorical separation in relationships, ideas, or opinions. For example, "As the debate continued, the two sides were getting further apart on key issues."

Common error

Avoid using "getting further apart" when you actually mean something is becoming more complex or intricate. The phrase specifically indicates separation or divergence, not increasing complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting further apart" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe a process of separation or divergence. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct and usable. This separation can be physical, emotional, or ideological. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its application in various contexts, from relationships to political viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting further apart" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe an increasing separation or divergence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's applicable in a variety of contexts, from physical distancing to emotional estrangement. While its register is generally neutral, its specific tone can vary depending on the context. Be mindful to use it accurately to convey the intended meaning of separation, rather than general complexity. Alternative phrases, such as "drifting apart" or "diverging paths", can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drifting apart

This alternative suggests a gradual and often unintentional separation, particularly in relationships or shared interests.

growing distant

Implies an increasing emotional or psychological distance between individuals or groups.

diverging paths

This alternative suggests that individuals or groups are taking increasingly different directions or making different choices.

becoming estranged

This phrase indicates a breakdown in relationships, often with a sense of alienation or animosity.

widening gap

This alternative suggests an increasing disparity or difference between two or more things, ideas, or groups.

moving away from each other

This suggests a deliberate act of distancing, either physically or emotionally.

becoming more divided

This implies an increasing polarization or disagreement between groups or individuals.

separating more

This is a more literal description of the act of separating or distancing.

increasingly disparate

Suggests that two or more things are becoming increasingly different or dissimilar.

losing touch

This implies a decline in communication or connection between individuals.

FAQs

How can I use "getting further apart" in a sentence?

You can use "getting further apart" to describe physical distance, such as "The two cities are "getting further apart" due to tectonic plate movement" or metaphorical distance, such as "Their political views are "getting further apart"".

What's a good alternative to "getting further apart"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "drifting apart" to describe a relationship or "diverging paths" to describe different life choices.

Is it correct to say "grow further apart" instead of "getting further apart"?

Yes, "grow further apart" is a grammatically correct alternative. Both phrases convey the idea of increasing separation over time. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

What is the difference between "growing apart" and "getting further apart"?

"Growing apart" typically refers to emotional or relational distance, while "getting further apart" can refer to both physical and metaphorical separation. However, they are often used interchangeably.