maintains distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintains distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something keeps a physical or emotional space from another person or object. Example: "In social situations, she often maintains distance to avoid uncomfortable interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She maintains distance.

The Guardian

He is making his base in Washington, the city where MCI had its headquarters before being acquired by WorldCom in 1998, as he maintains distance from WorldCom's official headquarters in Clinton, Miss.

The New York Times

Mr. Lao also maintains distance from street vendors, especially operators of carts with grilled meats, who can fiercely repel a materializing food truck, Mr. Lao said, adding that some have menaced him and his workers and have even moved carts to block Rickshaw trucks' vending windows.

The New York Times - Food

2. Benevolent-authoritative or Parental Karta: Characterized with conditional caring & patronizing, who expects respect, obedience, who is fear inspiring, prescriptive, task-oriented and who maintains distance.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

This creates and maintains distance between the students and the instructor, which can make students feel alienated.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the object or person from which distance is being maintained. For example, "maintains distance from the media" or "maintains distance from personal relationships".

Common error

Avoid using "maintains distance" in situations where simpler terms like "is reserved" or "is private" would be more appropriate and natural. Overuse can make writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintains distance" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of keeping oneself or something else separate. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It describes a deliberate effort to avoid closeness or interaction, whether physical or emotional, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintains distance" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of keeping oneself or something separate, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively uncommon, it finds its primary use in news, media and scientific writing, with a neutral level of formality. When using this phrase, it is beneficial to clarify the object from which distance is kept to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "keeps apart", "remains aloof", and "stays separate" can offer nuanced variations in meaning depending on the specific context. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this phrase can convey physical or emotional separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeps its distance

This alternative phrase, using the possessive "its", applies when discussing organisations, companies, or groups who deliberately stay separate from somebody.

keeps a respectful distance

This alternative phrase, adding the adjective "respectful", implies a polite motivation behind maintaining separation.

keeps apart

This alternative focuses on the act of physically or emotionally separating oneself.

stays separate

This alternative suggests a deliberate effort to avoid mixing or joining.

remains aloof

This alternative emphasizes emotional detachment and a lack of involvement.

avoids contact

This alternative highlights the act of preventing interaction or connection.

shies away

This alternative indicates a reluctance or aversion to getting close.

preserves separation

This alternative highlights the act of ensuring something is divided.

stands apart

This alternative emphasizes individuality and not blending in.

defends against proximity

This alternative is an extended version of main query and describes a deliberate action of staying distant.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintains distance" to describe someone who avoids close relationships or physical proximity. For example: "She "maintains distance" to protect herself emotionally."

What's the difference between "maintains distance" and "keeps a distance"?

"Maintains distance" implies a consistent effort to stay separate, while "keeps a distance" suggests a more situational or temporary separation. They are often interchangeable, but "maintains distance" highlights the ongoing nature of the separation.

What can I say instead of "maintains distance"?

You can use alternatives like "remains aloof", "stays separate", or "avoids contact" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "maintain distance" or "maintains distance"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "maintain distance" with plural subjects (e.g., "They maintain distance"), and "maintains distance" with singular subjects (e.g., "He maintains distance").