more distant

USAGE SUMMARY

"more distant" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as, "The two ships became more distant as they sailed away from each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cruyff is more distant.

The Guardian - Sport

He was more distant?

The Guardian - Arts

Security is an even more distant prospect.

The Economist

Now those goals seem even more distant.

The Economist

She grew older, more distant and polite.

The New Yorker

Little by little, he grew more distant.

The New Yorker

And bosses are more distant than ever.

The Economist

Perhaps he just feels more distant?

The Guardian - Books

But more distant horizons seem less sparkling.

The New York Times

Capuchins are much more distant relatives.

The New York Times - Science

More distant contacts exerted no influence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more distant" to effectively compare the degree of separation, whether in physical space, time, or emotional connection. Consider the specific context to ensure clarity and relevance.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "more distant" to describe emotional states, as it can sometimes sound clinical or detached. Incorporate more nuanced language that captures the specific emotions involved, such as "more withdrawn", "less engaged", or "increasingly aloof".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more distant" functions primarily as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a greater degree of distance, whether physical, temporal, or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more distant" is a versatile comparative adjective used to indicate a greater degree of separation, be it physical, temporal, or emotional. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While it's often neutral in register, avoiding overuse in emotional contexts and considering alternatives like ""more remote"" or ""increasingly separate"" can enhance clarity and precision. The phrase's high frequency and diverse applications underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further removed

Indicates a greater degree of separation, either physically or metaphorically.

more remote

Implies a greater sense of being far away or disconnected.

increasingly separate

Focuses on the process of becoming more divided or distinct.

growing apart

Specifically used for relationships or entities that are diverging.

less connected

Emphasizes a reduction in the level of association or communication.

more estranged

Suggests a severing of a relationship.

at a greater distance

Highlights the physical or metaphorical space between two points.

more dissimilar

Refers to a higher degree of difference or unlikeness.

increasingly detached

Implies a growing lack of emotional involvement or interest.

more isolated

Emphasizes the state of being alone or separated from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "more distant" to describe physical separation, such as "The "more distant planets" are harder to see". It can also describe emotional separation: "After the argument, he became "more distant"".

What are some alternatives to "more distant"?

Alternatives include "more remote", "further removed", or "increasingly separate" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "more distant" or "more faraway"?

Both "more distant" and "more faraway" are acceptable, but "more distant" is generally considered more formal and versatile. "More faraway" is often reserved for describing physical distance.

What does it mean when someone becomes "more distant" in a relationship?

When someone becomes "more distant" in a relationship, it usually indicates that they are becoming emotionally or physically less connected, possibly due to conflict, stress, or changing feelings.