maintaining distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintaining distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing physical space, emotional boundaries, or social interactions that require separation. Example: "In order to ensure safety during the pandemic, it is important for everyone to be mindful of maintaining distance from others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y ., one of TR-N.Y .key liaisone of CapiTrumpill, sought to defend Trump against accusations of racism while maintaining distance from his comments.

The Washington Post

TDC has various ways of maintaining distance, but none of these override the fact that you're bearing witness to how two people felt when their son died.

The Guardian - Tech

I note that after divorce, people have habit of finding the easier route, the less challenging follow-up, a way of maintaining distance to avoid pain.

The New York Times - Style

For Mr. Vance, the Manhattan district attorney-elect, the relationship with his father, who died in 2002, meant keeping a balance between embracing his father's legacy and teachings, and maintaining distance so he could forge his own identity.

The New York Times

As an Astor Home psychologist wrote in 1984, Lamont "had developed a strategy of maintaining distance or, when threatened by the possibility of attachment, of rejecting the other party before that person could reject him".

The New York Times - Magazine

Her sense of loss may be exacerbated when she watches those around her enjoy experiences she was looking forward to, but it doesn't mean that maintaining distance is the way to protect her from pain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

She maintains distance.

The Guardian

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

Some Arab leaders have protested Turkey's close relationship with Israel, asserting that Muslim countries should maintain distance from Israel.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing interpersonal relationships, use "maintaining distance" to describe emotional or social boundaries. For example, "After the argument, she focused on "maintaining distance" to process her emotions".

Common error

Avoid using "maintaining distance" solely for physical separation when emotional detachment is implied. Use more precise language like "avoiding contact" or "remaining aloof" to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintaining distance" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the act of keeping separate, whether physically, emotionally, or socially. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintaining distance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the act of keeping separate, whether physically, emotionally, or socially. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's acceptability and provides diverse examples of its usage. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts, demonstrating its versatility and broad applicability. While "maintaining distance" can be used in various situations, it's crucial to consider alternative phrases like "keeping apart" or "avoiding contact" for increased precision, and avoid using it when implying emotional detachment is not wanted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping apart

Focuses on the physical separation aspect.

staying separate

Emphasizes the state of being divided or not connected.

avoiding contact

Highlights the act of preventing interaction.

remaining aloof

Implies emotional or social detachment.

creating space

Emphasizes making room for physical or emotional separation.

preserving separation

Suggests a deliberate effort to uphold division.

observing boundaries

Focuses on respecting or upholding limits.

safeguarding detachment

Highlights the need to protect the distance.

enforcing segregation

Implies a more formal or mandated separation.

upholding isolation

Emphasizes the act of support for the isolation.

FAQs

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

"Maintaining distance" can be used to describe physical separation, emotional detachment, or strategic avoidance. For example: "The scientist was focused on "maintaining distance" from the experiment."

What are some alternatives to "maintaining distance"?

You can use alternatives like "keeping apart", "staying separate", or "remaining aloof" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "maintain distance" instead of "maintaining distance"?

While "maintain distance" is understandable, "maintaining distance" is often preferred when describing an ongoing or continuous effort to keep separate.

When should I use "avoiding contact" instead of "maintaining distance"?

Use "avoiding contact" when the emphasis is on preventing interaction, whereas "maintaining distance" can encompass a broader range of separation, including emotional or strategic.