had been distanced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been distanced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has been made to feel remote or separated from another person or group over a period of time. Example: "Over the years, she had been distanced from her childhood friends due to her busy career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While Taiwan has long prided itself on being the keeper of Chinese tradition, until recently it had been distanced from its cultural roots on the mainland.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Moreover, Christians had been distancing themselves from their Jewish heritage for their entire history.

Wikipedia

For whatever reason, they have been distanced from God and need to be saved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Band does seem to have been distanced from Bill Clinton and the Clinton Foundation, but the division was not nearly as complete as Chelsea Clinton wanted.

The New Yorker

It is a desire, a thirst to understand, to get close to an experience that has been distanced, considered and neatly dissected.

The Guardian

Brought closer to the Shoko case by his own experience, the cop has been distanced from it by what seems to have been a demotion from criminal investigations to the role of press director, nursing Tokyo's crime correspondents.

The Guardian - Books

Oddly, though, only Tancredo picks it up (he'd restore hope. Gets a point for noting that America has been distanced from other nations; loses a point for continuing to talk for way too long after that).

Huffington Post

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has been distancing itself from her image by not using her name on some products.

The New York Times

In recent years Ms. Benning, now 34, has been distancing herself from video.

The New York Times

The president said: "I am hurt, though, Bernie, that you've been distancing yourself a little from me.

The Guardian

But Mr. Tiberi has been distancing himself from Mr. Bush's 10-year, $1.3 trillion tax-cut proposal, focusing instead on more modest measures, like eliminating the inheritance tax.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had been distanced" when you want to emphasize a process of separation or alienation that occurred over a period of time. It's particularly useful when describing changes in relationships, cultural connections, or political stances.

Common error

Avoid using "had been distanced" when an active construction is more appropriate. For instance, instead of "he had been distanced by his colleagues", consider "his colleagues distanced him" if you want to emphasize their agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been distanced" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating a state of separation or removal that has occurred over a period of time. According to Ludwig, it correctly follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had been distanced" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a separation or alienation that occurred over time. Ludwig indicates that it follows standard grammar rules. While not overly common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. To enhance your writing, use it when you want to emphasize the process of separation and avoid using it when an active construction is more fitting. Consider alternatives like "had grown apart" or "had lost touch" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had grown apart

Focuses on the gradual drifting away of individuals or entities.

had become estranged

Highlights a state of alienation, often with emotional undertones.

had been separated

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical division between entities.

had lost touch

Indicates a decline in communication or connection over time.

had become disconnected

Implies a severance of links or relationships.

had been alienated

Stresses the feeling of being isolated or excluded.

had drifted away

Suggests a slow and subtle movement away from each other.

had withdrawn from

Implies a deliberate removal or retreat from a situation or relationship.

had isolated themselves

Highlights self-imposed separation from others.

had become remote

Emphasizes the lack of engagement or involvement.

FAQs

How can I use "had been distanced" in a sentence?

Use "had been distanced" to describe a state of separation that developed over time. For example, "After the scandal, the company "had been distanced" from its former partners".

What's the difference between "had been distanced" and "had been separated"?

"Had been distanced" often implies a more gradual or emotional separation, while "had been separated" suggests a more immediate or physical division. Consider the nuance you wish to convey when choosing between the two.

What are some alternatives to "had been distanced"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "had grown apart", "had become estranged", or "had lost touch".

Is "had been distanced" formal or informal?

"Had been distanced" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to appear more frequently in news reports and academic writing than in casual conversation.