maintain distance

USAGE SUMMARY

"maintain distance" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to give someone instructions to keep a certain amount of space between themselves and something else, usually for safety or social reasons. Example: "In order to minimize the risk of transmission, please maintain a distance of at least six feet from others while in public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I tried to maintain distance, but I couldn't".

The New York Times

Sometimes, though, digital technology can undermine the clinical rationale for a therapist to maintain distance.

The New York Times - Health

You must look to see what you're shooting, and you must maintain distance to see the significance of what you're doing.

The New York Times - Arts

Similarly, a study in Germany found that the public's desire to maintain distance from those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia increased from 1990 to 2001.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Soros steers clear of day-to-day management of ACT and keeps his distance from it and most politicians, partly for lack of time and partly to maintain distance between these groups and the official campaigns.

The New York Times

Bloomberg is to change its corporate policies to maintain distance between its news and sales operations, after a report recommended dozens of ways that the organization could keep reporters from using client information.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"We need to maintain distances from just about everybody"—governments, smugglers, and traffickers alike.

The New Yorker

She maintains distance.

The Guardian

One of the founders was Josip Broz Tito, the dictator of Yugoslavia, which maintained distance from Moscow but was hardly non-aligned.

The New York Times

In fact, with his chumminess but carefully maintained distance, talking with Hanks is like having an afterschool talk with a really nice teacher.

The Guardian - Film

Google continues to say the right things publicly about maintaining distance from its Motorola unit with regard to Android.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "maintain distance", specify the required amount (e.g., six feet) to ensure clarity and compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain distance" in informal conversations; opt for simpler alternatives like "keep apart" or "stay away" to sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain distance" functions primarily as a verb phrase instructing or describing the act of keeping separate, whether physically or emotionally. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from physical distancing to emotional detachment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain distance" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of keeping separate, either physically or emotionally. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, including news reports, scientific studies, and general instructions. When using "maintain distance", it's important to consider the specific context and choose appropriate alternatives if a less formal tone is desired. Remember to provide specific measurements when instructing someone to keep a physical separation. The phrase's widespread usage and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep apart

This is a simple and direct way of saying to stay separated.

stay separated

Emphasizes the state of being apart rather than the action of maintaining separation.

avoid contact

Focuses on preventing physical or communicative interaction.

keep at bay

Suggests preventing something or someone from approaching or affecting you.

preserve separation

Highlights the act of protecting an existing state of being separate.

observe boundaries

Highlights respecting and not crossing established limits or divisions.

remain aloof

Suggests a detached or indifferent attitude in maintaining separation, often in a social context.

ensure detachment

Emphasizes guaranteeing a state of disconnection or lack of involvement.

stand off

Emphasizes avoiding involvement or familiarity.

uphold segregation

Implies actively supporting a division or separation, often in a formal or systemic way.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain distance" to describe keeping physical or emotional separation. For example: "It's important to "maintain distance" to prevent the spread of germs" or "She tried to "maintain distance" to avoid getting hurt".

What's a less formal way to say "maintain distance"?

Informal alternatives to "maintain distance" include phrases like "keep apart", "stay away", or "avoid contact" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "maintain distance" or "maintained distance"?

"Maintain distance" is an infinitive phrase often used as an instruction or general statement. "Maintained distance" is the past tense form, used to describe an action that already happened. For example, "The signs instructed visitors to "maintain distance"" versus "The security guards "maintained distance" from the protesters".

What does it mean to "maintain emotional distance"?

To "maintain emotional distance" means to limit emotional involvement or intimacy with someone. It's a way to protect oneself from potential hurt or to avoid becoming overly attached. This can be achieved by setting boundaries, limiting self-disclosure, and avoiding deep emotional discussions.