increasingly distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increasingly distant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or relationship that is becoming more remote or less connected over time. Example: "As the years went by, their friendship became increasingly distant, with fewer calls and visits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

His hopes of an NBA career seemed increasingly distant.

The Guardian - Sport

When he returned home on leave, he acted increasingly distant.

The New Yorker

But the Stanley Cup seemed like an increasingly distant goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Increasing urban populations are compounding the problem, forcing officials to seek out increasingly distant sources.

The Guardian

The ingestion of illegal substances is a thing of my increasingly distant past.

The New York Times - Travel

Viewed from my increasingly distant standpoint, under nine seems a wonderfully simple thing to be.

The Guardian - Books

She said he had become increasingly distant from their sometimes tempestuous relationship.

The Guardian

I started to forget myself and the family; now I am becoming increasingly distant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With each passing year, that period seems increasingly distant, its immediate relevance diminished.

The Guardian - Opinion

With the Arab Spring an increasingly distant memory, the instability along this arc is deepening.

The Guardian - Business

Simultaneously intimate and bureaucratic, these letters serve as epistolary echoes of an increasingly distant time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional states, use "increasingly distant" to show a gradual decline in connection. For example, "He became increasingly distant after the argument".

Common error

Avoid using "increasingly distant" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Sometimes, more precise terminology, such as "diverging" or "attenuating", might offer greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increasingly distant" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier describing how something is becoming more remote or separated over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "increasingly distant" is a versatile and commonly used expression that effectively conveys a growing separation or remoteness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable, as demonstrated by its presence in numerous reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While suitable for various contexts, it's best to consider more precise alternatives in highly formal writing. When used thoughtfully, "increasingly distant" adds depth to descriptions of fading connections, memories, or possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ever distant

Implies a continuous and ongoing increase in distance or detachment.

progressively distant

Highlights the gradual nature of becoming distant.

more remote

Focuses on the increasing remoteness or inaccessibility.

growing apart

Specifically describes the increasing separation in relationships or connections.

increasingly aloof

Emphasizes a growing emotional detachment or disinterest.

increasingly detached

Highlights the diminishing connection or involvement.

increasingly estranged

Indicates a growing state of alienation or separation, often in personal relationships.

becoming more separate

Emphasizes the process of something becoming more distinct or disconnected.

drifting further away

Implies a gradual and passive movement towards greater distance.

sliding into oblivion

Indicates something is becoming increasingly lost or forgotten over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "increasingly distant" to describe something that is growing farther away, either physically or emotionally. For example: "The possibility of a peaceful resolution seemed "increasingly distant" as negotiations stalled."

What are some alternatives to "increasingly distant"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "ever distant", "progressively distant", or "more remote" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "increasingly distant" appropriate for formal writing?

While "increasingly distant" is generally acceptable, in very formal or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives such as "diverging" or "attenuating" for greater clarity.

What is the difference between "increasingly distant" and "growing apart"?

"Increasingly distant" can refer to both physical and emotional distance, while "growing apart" usually refers specifically to relationships where people are becoming emotionally disconnected.