grew distant

USAGE SUMMARY

'grew distant' is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use the phrase to describe a change in the relationship of two people, often implying that they are now less close than they used to be. For example: "As they grew more distant, they stopped going out together as often."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

She grew distant.

The New Yorker

His letters grew distant.

The New York Times - Magazine

He became depressed and grew distant from his friends.

The New Yorker

He grew distant from old friends: "I became quite fanatical and felt quite isolated for a period of time".

The New Yorker

He must have stood up at that point, because as he continued his voice grew distant and full of air.

The New Yorker

Over time the relationship between the home campus in Greenwich Village in New York and the Paris program grew distant.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Your children will grow distant.

The New Yorker

Ed Rogers: Is Hillary Clinton growing distant from her own party?

The Washington Post

It was too scary to be close, so we'd grown distant.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Even if peace is growing distant now, in the end it will come".

The New York Times

The two friends had grown distant by the end of their senior year in high school.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew distant" to describe a gradual emotional or relational separation, emphasizing a change over time. It often implies that the individuals or entities involved were once closer.

Common error

Avoid using "grew distant" to describe physical separation. Instead, reserve it for emotional or relational contexts where the distance is metaphorical, not literal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew distant" functions as a verbal phrase, typically part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes a process of emotional or relational separation, indicating a change in the closeness between individuals or entities, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grew distant" effectively describes a weakening or deterioration of a relationship over time. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly within News & Media contexts. Alternatives such as "drifted apart" or "became estranged" offer similar meanings, but "grew distant" provides a neutral and widely applicable option. To ensure clarity, avoid using this phrase to describe physical separation. Overall, "grew distant" is a valuable and versatile phrase for expressing relational change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drifted apart

Suggests a gradual and unintentional separation, often due to changing circumstances.

became remote

Implies a sense of physical or emotional distance, suggesting a lack of warmth or intimacy.

became estranged

Implies a more formal or legal separation, often used in family contexts.

became disconnected

Suggests a loss of emotional or social connection, often due to external factors.

became alienated

Indicates a sense of isolation and detachment, often accompanied by feelings of resentment.

cooled off

Implies a decrease in affection or enthusiasm, often used in romantic contexts.

lost touch

Implies a simple lack of communication and contact, without necessarily indicating emotional distance.

fell out

Indicates a breakdown in a relationship, often due to a disagreement or conflict.

became indifferent

Indicates a lack of interest or concern, suggesting a shift in attitude.

withdrew from

Suggests a deliberate act of distancing oneself from a person or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "grew distant" in a sentence?

You can use "grew distant" to describe a relationship that has weakened over time, for example: "After the argument, they "grew distant"." or "As the years passed, the two friends "grew distant"."

What are some alternatives to saying "grew distant"?

Alternatives include "drifted apart", "became estranged", or "lost touch", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "grew distant" in formal writing?

Yes, "grew distant" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is a commonly understood and grammatically correct phrase. However, consider more precise language depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "grew distant" and "became alienated"?

"Grew distant" suggests a gradual separation, while "became alienated" implies a deeper sense of estrangement and resentment. The former is a more neutral term, while the latter carries a stronger negative connotation.