seems distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems distant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears far away, either physically or emotionally, in various contexts. Example: "Her voice seems distant, as if she were speaking from another room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Normalcy, however, seems distant.

The New York Times

"It seems distant".

The New York Times

For the moment, that goal seems distant.

The New York Times

At Carthage Jail, Opal seems distant.

The New Yorker

Such dialogue seems distant at the moment.

The New York Times

But if the war seems distant, God is everywhere.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it's also unsettling because so much now seems distant.

The Guardian - Books

But an easy road to power now seems distant.

The Guardian - Opinion

For Piñera, all of this seems distant and abstract.

The Guardian - Tech

If 2012 seems distant, that is exactly the point.

The New York Times

Government seems distant and ineffective to many voters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems distant" when you want to convey a sense of emotional, physical, or conceptual separation without stating it as a definite fact. It implies an observation or impression.

Common error

While "seems distant" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal or scientific writing where more precise and objective language is preferred. Consider alternatives like "appears remote" or "is separated" for increased clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems distant" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "seems" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "distant". It modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing an impression or appearance of remoteness rather than a definitive state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seems distant" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of remoteness or detachment, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, with usage spanning diverse contexts from emotional states to abstract concepts. When aiming for objective and precise language, especially in formal or scientific writing, consider alternative phrases like "appears remote" or "is separated". Overall, "seems distant" remains a commonly used phrase for expressing an impression of distance without stating it as a definitive fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears remote

Focuses on the visual impression of being far away or detached.

feels far away

Emphasizes the emotional or psychological distance.

seems detached

Highlights a lack of connection or involvement.

looks unapproachable

Suggests a barrier preventing closeness or understanding.

is not present

Focuses on the absence of something or someone.

gives a distant impression

Highlights the perception of distance created by something.

is far removed

Emphasizes the separation or disconnection from something.

lacks immediacy

Stresses the absence of urgency or directness.

seems unattainable

Implies something is beyond reach or impossible to achieve.

appears disconnected

Focuses on the lack of a link or relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems distant" to describe something that appears far away or detached, either physically, emotionally, or conceptually. For example, "The goal of lasting peace "seems distant"" or "He "seems distant" from the people he paints".

What can I say instead of "seems distant"?

You can use alternatives like "appears remote", "feels far away", or "seems detached" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "seems distant"?

It's appropriate to use "seems distant" when you want to express an impression or observation that something is not close or connected, but without stating it as an absolute fact. It suggests a subjective perception.

Is there a difference between "seems distant" and "is distant"?

Yes, "seems distant" implies a perception or appearance, while "is distant" states a definite fact. "Seems distant" suggests a subjective observation, whereas "is distant" presents something as an objective truth.