less distant

USAGE SUMMARY

"less distant" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe how two people are feeling closer to each other over time. For example, "The couple felt their relationship was becoming less distant as they became more comfortable with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the Speaker should be less distant.

The Guardian

"He comes across as more human, more authentic, less distant than Gabriel," he said.

The Washington Post

But his first words could hardly have been less grand, or less distant.

The Guardian

But power generation companies and their investors have their eyes on less distant horizons.

The New York Times

Ask Jeeves, for one, has become a slightly less distant third after improving its technology.

The Economist

Home is something that seems less distant and more real every day.

The New York Times

It was found that the more distant clusters contained about 20 times more AGN than the less distant sample.

Harvard University

So I think they're really trying to look at getting a sort of less distant relationship with the Dutch.

The Guardian

His images appear to memorialize some more or less distant past when manliness was an unquestionable virtue.

The New York Times - Arts

To postulate a difference of nature in the simple bodies according as they are more or less distant from their proper places is unreasonable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Those in Nine Elms [near Battersea power station] and Earls Court which in the less distant past would have been sold off-plan to overseas investors.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less distant" to convey a reduction in either physical or emotional separation. Ensure the context clarifies which type of distance you are referring to for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "less distant" when a simpler adjective like "closer" or "nearer" is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less distant" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a reduced degree of distance, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less distant" functions as a comparative adjective phrase used to describe a reduced degree of distance. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and appropriateness in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia, indicating its versatility and neutrality. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific type of distance you intend to convey. Remember to maintain clarity and avoid overusing the phrase to prevent wordiness. The prevalence of "less distant" in reputable sources reinforces its credibility as a sound choice in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less remote

Direct synonym, suggesting a diminished sense of remoteness.

closer

Indicates a decrease in physical or emotional distance.

nearer

Emphasizes a reduced physical separation.

more accessible

Highlights the ease of reaching or connecting.

less detached

Emphasizes a reduction in emotional or psychological distance.

more approachable

Focuses on the ease of interacting with someone or something.

more connected

Highlights an increased sense of unity or belonging.

more intimate

Implies a closer, more personal relationship.

more familiar

Suggests an increased sense of recognition and understanding.

within reach

Focuses on the attainability or accessibility of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "less distant" to describe a relationship becoming closer, a goal becoming more attainable, or a place being geographically nearer. For example: "The two countries began fostering a "less distant" relationship through cultural exchange programs."

What's a good alternative to "less distant"?

Depending on the context, you could use "closer", "nearer", or "more accessible". Choose the word that best reflects the type of distance you're describing.

Is it correct to say "more near" instead of "less distant"?

While "more near" is grammatically understandable, it's not as common or idiomatic as alternatives like "nearer" or "closer". "Less distant" offers a slightly different nuance, often implying a reduction in remoteness or detachment.

What is the difference between "less distant" and "less remote"?

"Less distant" generally refers to a decrease in physical proximity or emotional connection, while "less remote" often suggests a reduction in isolation or inaccessibility. The terms can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but "less remote" emphasizes the idea of being further from civilization or less likely to occur.