move further apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"move further apart" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when describing a physical movement away from each other, a widening or increasing distance between two things or people, or a growing difference or disagreement between two ideas or opinions. Example: "As the couple argued, they could feel their hearts move further apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The tubes then dissipate as the stars move further apart.

MIT Technology Review

Democrats and Republicans move further apart, digesting news from their own cable network shows.

The New York Times - Arts

Distrust can deepen, the parties can move further apart, and incentives can shift to make peace even less attractive.

The New York Times

The fascination for the viewer is that these elements seem to merge or move further apart, depending on the day, depending on the light.

The Guardian - Books

After a misunderstanding with Meg's letter, her and Oscar move further apart than the continents that divide them already and Oscar's world spirals out of control.

The Guardian

Even as Republican and Democratic states move further apart, it seems clear that Republican legislators feel a good deal more urgency about this issue that Democratic ones do.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

And independence would inevitably mean the continuing UK and Scotland moving further apart.

The Guardian

Partly that's because the parties are moving further apart on policy.

The Guardian

Yet at the same time your countries have changed and moved further apart.

The New York Times

But the regeneration required by distraction osteogenesis, in which the bone ends are repeatedly moved further apart, is much more extensive.

Stanford University

In recent weeks, however, the two sides had moved further apart over prisoner releases, PA moves to join UN bodies and Israeli settlement expansion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move further apart" to describe both physical and abstract separation, such as diverging opinions or increasing social distance.

Common error

Avoid using "move further apart" solely for physical distances when the context implies a metaphorical divergence. Be clear if you are referring to physical distance or differences in opinion, to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move further apart" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig shows that it describes an action or process of increasing separation, either physically or metaphorically. It can refer to objects, people, or ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "move further apart" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an increasing separation, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, science, and general contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure clarity, and consider alternatives like "grow more distant" or "drift apart" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to maintain clarity whether describing physical distance or a difference of opinion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drift away from each other

Emphasizes a gradual and often unintentional separation between individuals.

grow more distant

Highlights the increase in emotional or physical distance over time.

become increasingly separated

Focuses on the growing state of being divided or set apart.

distance themselves further

Highlights a deliberate action to create more space or separation.

diverge more significantly

Suggests a branching out or deviation from a common point or path.

widen the gap

Illustrates the increase in the space or difference between two things.

increase the separation

Highlights making the separation between the two bigger.

become more alienated

Suggests a feeling of estrangement or disconnection.

extend the divide

Emphasizes the increase in a separation or barrier between two things.

spread further afield

Focuses on physical expansion or dispersal over a wider area.

FAQs

How can I use "move further apart" in a sentence?

You can use "move further apart" to describe physical separation, as in "The tectonic plates continue to move further apart each year" or to describe a growing divergence in opinions, such as "As the debate continued, the two sides seemed to "drift further apart"".

What are some alternatives to "move further apart"?

Some alternatives include "grow more distant", "become increasingly separated", or "diverge more significantly", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "moved further apart" instead of "move further apart"?

Yes, "moved further apart" is the past tense form of the verb phrase. Use "moved" when referring to an action that has already happened, as in "The two companies "moved further apart" after the merger failed".

What's the difference between "move further apart" and "drift apart"?

"Move further apart" can imply a deliberate action or a process, while "drift apart" typically suggests a gradual, often unintentional separation. For example, "They decided to move further apart after the argument," versus, "Over time, they just seemed to drift apart".