physically distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physically distant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals are maintaining a physical space between them, often for health or safety reasons. Example: "During the pandemic, we were all required to remain physically distant from one another to prevent the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dehumanizing others happens more when we are physically distant from each other, since physical cues like eye contact or touch that normally activate our sense of connection aren't engaged.

University of California, Berkeley

For example, we suppose that strong ties could reflect relations characterized by physical closeness, while weak ties could be more appropriate to represent connections among physically distant individuals.

EPJ Data Science

Although Darfur is part of Sudan, it is physically distant from the country's heartland and sources of military power.

The New York Times

For the past three days, Rowan Williams has been physically distant from the furore engulfing his Church.

Independent

With each meal comes a more heightened sense of discomfort, as the couple become increasingly emotionally and physically distant from one another.

The Guardian - Film

Even colleagues on different floors in the same building might be considered physically distant, and operational and affinity distance can certainly affect colocated workers.

Harvard Business Review

Providers of evidence are sequestered if they are either physically distant from the requesters of evidence or if they are in separate administrative units.

Nature

Suler's work described how people become more abusive towards those they can't see, or who are physically distant from them – even when the aggressor's identity isn't hidden.

The Guardian - Tech

As talks intensified, Mr. Bloomberg was also physically distant: he spent several days in Massachusetts after the death of his mother, Charlotte, at age 102.

The New York Times

In the last years more and more people have been having access to the Internet, which has reduced or even eliminated the distances among people and/or groups located physically distant among them.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

"Although we were physically distant, it felt like we were engaged in a dialogue," Mr. Qureshi, 33, says in the exhibition catalog about the experience of working with his five artist collaborators.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, consider whether "emotionally distant" might be more accurate if the separation is not merely physical.

Common error

Avoid using "physically distant" when you mean "emotionally distant". Physical distance refers to spatial separation, while emotional distance refers to a lack of emotional connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physically distant" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to describe spatial separation. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from describing geographical remoteness to emotional detachment indirectly caused by physical distance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

48%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "physically distant" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that describes spatial separation between entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. While it appears frequently in scientific and news-related contexts, writers should be mindful of the distinction between physical and emotional distance to ensure accuracy and clarity in their writing. Consider alternatives such as "geographically remote" or "at a distance" depending on the nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separated by distance

Explicitly states that distance is the reason for separation.

away from

A simple and direct way to express separation.

geographically remote

Focuses specifically on the geographical aspect of being far away.

at a distance

Indicates a separation that can be maintained or bridged.

socially isolated

Highlights the lack of social interaction due to physical separation.

far removed

Emphasizes the extent of separation, either literally or figuratively.

out of proximity

A more formal way to express being a considerable distance away.

out of reach

Implies that something is not easily accessible due to distance.

spatially segregated

Emphasizes the arrangement and separation in space.

remote location

Highlights the characteristic of the location instead of the relation between actors

FAQs

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

You can use "physically distant" to describe people or objects that are separated by space. For example, "During the pandemic, it was important to remain "physically distant" to prevent the spread of the virus".

What is a good alternative to "physically distant"?

Alternatives include "geographically remote", "far removed", or "at a distance", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "physically distant" or "socially distant"?

While both terms are related, "physically distant" refers specifically to spatial separation, whereas "socially distant" implies a broader reduction in social interaction, often encompassing emotional detachment as well.

What does it mean to be "physically distant"?

To be "physically distant" means to be separated by a measurable amount of space. This separation can be intentional, as in the case of social distancing, or unintentional, due to geographical location or other circumstances.