grow distant from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow distant from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of becoming less close or less connected to someone or something over time. Example: "As the years went by, they began to grow distant from each other, losing the bond they once shared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As tumors increase in size, many cancer cells grow distant from the blood supply, which may cause them to divide less frequently than others in the population.

Cancer Management and Research

Being this busy, it's important not to grow distant from your bromance or your girl.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

By Arturo Vivante The New Yorker, September 12 , 1970 P. 37A painter, whose wife has grown distant from him, lives in his wife's parents' house & sleeps by himself in his father-in-law's bed, as the father-in-law before him.

The New Yorker

It is, in fact, a serious threat to Labour, wooing those who have long grown distant from the party but who, for reasons of family tradition and class loyalty, could never bring themselves to vote Conservative.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Stanislavsky's work evolved, he grew distant from his earlier emphasis on emotional recall (still prevalent in much American training) because he discovered that in acting, emotions cannot be controlled directly by the will.

The New York Times

To some young black elected officials in New York, Mr. Rangel's defense of the remarks showed that the congressman, after so many years in power, had grown distant from his own community.

The New York Times

He was infuriated when former team president David Kahn declined to give him a full, five-year max contract two years ago and also grew distant from team-mates last season as the team faded down the stretch.

The Guardian - Sport

Although he thought he could keep those stresses at bay, he said that during the time he worked at the prison he also grew distant from his wife, silent and surly.

The New York Times - Books

Jazz was separating itself out in the nineteen-sixties, pulling, on the one hand, toward a visionary avant-garde that, inevitably, grew distant from popular styles, and, on the other, toward a popular-rooted, rhythm-and-blues-based heartiness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow distant from" to describe a gradual emotional or physical separation. For more abrupt or intentional separation, consider alternatives like "become estranged from" or "distance oneself from".

Common error

Avoid using "grow distant from" to describe sudden or immediate separations. It implies a process over time, not an instantaneous event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow distant from" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual decrease in closeness or connection between two entities, be it people, ideas, or even physical objects. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showing that it is a common and accepted English expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow distant from" describes a gradual process of emotional or physical separation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression across various contexts, including News & Media, Science and Wiki articles. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the gradual nature of the separation and choose it over alternatives like "become estranged from" or "distance oneself from" when depicting subtle shifts in relationships or connections. Several authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian often employ this phrase, solidifying its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drift apart from

Suggests a gradual and subtle separation over time.

become estranged from

Implies a more formal and often permanent separation.

become alienated from

Indicates a feeling of disconnection and estrangement.

lose touch with

Focuses on the diminishing communication and connection.

distance oneself from

Emphasizes the intentional act of creating distance.

withdraw from

Highlights a retreat or removal from a relationship or situation.

separate oneself from

Implies a deliberate act of division or disassociation.

become detached from

Indicates an emotional or psychological separation.

fall out of favor with

Suggests a loss of approval or connection with a person or group.

sever ties with

Implies a complete and often abrupt ending of a relationship.

FAQs

What does it mean to "grow distant from" someone?

To "grow distant from" someone means that the relationship or connection between you and that person is weakening over time. You might communicate less, share fewer experiences, or feel less emotionally close.

What can I say instead of "grow distant from"?

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

Is it "grow distant from" or "grew distant to"?

"Grow distant from" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "Grew distant to" is not standard English.

What causes people to "grow distant from" each other?

People may "grow distant from" each other due to various factors, such as changes in life circumstances, conflicting priorities, lack of communication, unresolved conflicts, or simply the natural evolution of relationships.