grow distant

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow distant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two people or things have become or are growing further apart in their relationship. For example: "As the year progressed, their feelings for each other began to grow distant."

✓ Grammatically correct

Relationships

Emotional states

Physical distance

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Your children will grow distant.

The New Yorker

Afraid of acknowledging our anger and unable to join those similarly suffering, we grow distant.

The New York Times

Eyes on the other side of the table grow distant, body language shifts and people start checking their phones.

The New York Times

We quickly picked up wind and I watched the old town grow distant and thought for a moment about the centuries of action-packed history tightly compressed within those sturdy fortifications.

The Guardian - Travel

The program, Esteem, has operated from the contrarian premise that a college graduate who is suddenly reduced to being the young stranger in a new parish may well grow distant or even alienated from Catholicism.

The New York Times

The people who are truly important to us, the people we've allowed to break us open inside, do not stop questioning us, obsessing us, pursuing us, and, if necessary, guiding us, even if they die, or grow distant, or if we've quarrelled.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

His letters grew distant.

The New York Times - Magazine

She grew distant.

The New Yorker

He became depressed and grew distant from his friends.

The New Yorker

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow distant" to describe a gradual decline in emotional or physical closeness between people, ideas, or places. For example, "Over time, the two friends grew distant as their lives took different paths."

Common error

Avoid using "grow distant" when you simply mean something is physically getting bigger and far away. Instead, use "recede" or "become more distant" to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "The ship grew distant", say "The ship receded into the horizon".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow distant" functions as a verb phrase describing a process of becoming less close or connected. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. It often describes the state of relationships, physical places, or ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow distant" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a process of separation, whether physical, emotional, or relational. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. The phrase commonly appears in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wikis, denoting a gradual decline in closeness. To avoid ambiguity, ensure it's not confused with literal physical growth. Related phrases like "drift apart" or "become estranged" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Use "grow distant" when describing a gradual shift towards separation, whether in relationships, ideas, or physical proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose closeness

Directly indicates a reduction in the degree of intimacy or familiarity.

drift apart

Emphasizes a gradual and often unintentional separation.

distance oneself

Emphasizes a deliberate act of creating space or separation.

weaken ties

Implies a loosening of the bonds that connect individuals or groups.

become estranged

Focuses on the final state of separation, often implying a formal or legal severing of ties.

become alienated

Implies a sense of isolation and disconnection, often due to differing values or beliefs.

lose touch

Highlights the cessation of communication and contact.

cool off

Suggests a decrease in enthusiasm or affection.

become detached

Highlights a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

fall out of favor

Suggests a decline in approval or preference.

FAQs

What does it mean when relationships "grow distant"?

When relationships "grow distant", it means that the emotional or physical connection between people is weakening, and they are becoming less close over time. This can happen for various reasons, such as changing priorities, geographical separation, or unresolved conflicts.

What are some signs that a relationship is starting to "grow distant"?

Signs that a relationship is starting to "grow distant" can include less frequent communication, a decrease in shared activities, a feeling of emotional disconnection, and an increase in arguments or misunderstandings.

Is it possible to prevent relationships from "growing distant"?

Yes, it is possible to prevent relationships from "growing distant" by making a conscious effort to maintain communication, spend quality time together, address conflicts promptly, and prioritize the relationship's needs.

What can I say instead of "grow distant"?

You can use alternatives like "become estranged", "drift apart", or "lose touch" depending on the context.