keeping distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of maintaining physical or emotional space between oneself and another person or object. Example: "During the pandemic, it was important for everyone to practice keeping distance from others to reduce the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Another unidentified boat 12 miles ahead, but keeping distance".

The New York Times

Is this "bah, humbug" defence mechanism, adopted as a means of keeping distance, actually detrimental?

The Guardian - Books

So maybe the whole thing we've been talking about today — this idea of keeping distance and being unassimilable and all that — maybe that's all bullshit.

The New Yorker

Haley took pride in keeping distance from the daily drama of the White House and she was determined to depart on her terms, both White House and Haley advisers said.

The Washington Post

Another strategy, said Waco Care Net's chief executive, Deborah McGregor, is keeping distance from brasher anti-abortion groups, like Pro-Life Waco, whose van outside Planned Parenthood reads: "Abortion.

The New York Times - Health

"He is very good at keeping distance.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"I'm keeping my distance.

The New York Times

Carroll Campbell and David Beasley, are keeping some distance at public events.

The New York Times

Mr. Toibin and Mr. Lodge are keeping their distance.

The New York Times - Books

She'd made such a fuss about keeping her distance.

The New Yorker

If they are, they are keeping their distance.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping distance" when you want to emphasize the continuous act of maintaining separation, whether physical, emotional, or strategic.

Common error

Avoid using "keeping distance" when a single, completed act of distancing is meant. Instead, opt for "distanced" or "separated" to reflect a finished action.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keeping distance" is that of a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the activity of maintaining separation, whether physical or emotional. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is widely usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeping distance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used gerund phrase that functions as a noun, describing the ongoing act of maintaining separation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It finds application across various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing, with a neutral to professional register. Alternatives like "maintaining separation" or "staying away" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to use it to express the continuous effort of separating, and avoid it when referring to a completed act of distancing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staying away

Focuses on physically avoiding someone or something.

distancing oneself

Focuses on the action of creating a gap between oneself and others, emotionally or physically.

maintaining separation

Emphasizes the active effort to keep things or people apart.

keeping separate

Highlights the act of actively maintaining things in different places.

avoiding contact

Stresses the action of preventing physical interaction.

preserving space

Underscores the act of safeguarding a certain area or gap.

steering clear

Implies deliberately avoiding a problematic situation or person.

remaining aloof

Highlights emotional or social detachment.

evading proximity

Emphasizes avoiding physical closeness.

holding back

Suggests restraint or withdrawal from engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "keeping distance" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping distance" to describe maintaining physical separation (e.g., "Keeping distance is crucial during a pandemic") or emotional detachment (e.g., "He was "keeping distance" from the drama").

What are some alternatives to "keeping distance"?

Alternatives include "maintaining separation", "staying away", or "avoiding contact", depending on the specific context.

Is "keeping distance" formal or informal?

"Keeping distance" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and situation than on the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "keeping distance" and "distancing oneself"?

"Keeping distance" emphasizes the ongoing nature of maintaining separation, while "distancing oneself" can imply a more deliberate and active effort to create that separation.