somewhat distant

USAGE SUMMARY

'somewhat distant' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe people who are emotionally or physically distant, or in reference to a person's physical location, attitude, or behavior. For example, "The two sisters had grown somewhat distant over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It showed a cold and somewhat distant Midwestern archetype.

The Washington Post

He remains somewhat distant to us, and somewhat distant to the African refugees he befriends and ultimately aids.

The New Yorker

I remember him as a kind but somewhat distant man.

Independent

But the story, moving back and forth in time, ultimately feels somewhat distant.

The New Yorker

Still, the somewhat distant prospect of additional help failed to boost Russia's financial markets.

The New York Times

"A high-quality product is somewhat distant from the customers; it looks expensive.

The Guardian

Yet the tone in the dispatches from Mexico feels somewhat distant.

The New York Times - Books

And Tom Stewart, though a sympathetic and interesting character, is also a somewhat distant one.

The New York Times - Books

For the most part, Clinton and Obama had a cordial but somewhat distant relationship.

The Guardian

For all of his buoyant theorizing about human connection, however, he became somewhat distant when asked about his own romance.

The New York Times

This pianist — Cuban-born, now in Florida — is an imposing, somewhat distant presence in the American jazz scene.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat distant" to describe a moderate degree of emotional or physical separation, avoiding stronger terms like "very distant" or weaker ones like "slightly near" for accuracy.

Common error

While "somewhat distant" is acceptable in various settings, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the nature and degree of distance, such as "relatively isolated" or "marginally disconnected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat distant" functions primarily as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a moderate degree of separation, either physically or emotionally. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat distant" is a versatile phrase used to express a moderate degree of separation or detachment. Grammatically sound and commonly employed, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent use across various contexts, notably in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. While adaptable, careful consideration should be given to the specific context to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting instead for more precise alternatives where appropriate. When you are looking for alternative ways to express the concept of "somewhat distant", consider options like ""slightly detached"", ""a bit aloof"", or ""rather remote"", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat detached

Implies emotional disengagement, suggesting a lack of involvement or concern.

slightly detached

Indicates a minor emotional or physical separation; less intense than "somewhat distant".

rather remote

Emphasizes the physical or emotional remoteness, highlighting a sense of inaccessibility.

a little removed

Suggests a slight separation or detachment, often in a figurative sense.

a bit aloof

Suggests a reserved or indifferent attitude, implying a lack of engagement.

relatively isolated

Highlights the state of being apart from others, either physically or socially.

kind of separate

Indicates a division or lack of connection between two or more things.

marginally disconnected

Indicates a slight break in communication or connection.

slightly estranged

Implies a loss of affection or familiarity, suggesting a strained relationship.

somewhat indifferent

Suggests a lack of interest or concern, implying a neutral or apathetic attitude.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat distant" to describe relationships, physical locations, or even abstract concepts. For example, "Their relationship had become "somewhat distant" after the argument" or "The cabin was "somewhat distant" from the main road".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat distant"?

Alternatives to "somewhat distant" include "slightly detached", "a bit aloof", or "rather remote" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "somewhat distant" formal or informal?

"Somewhat distant" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "relatively isolated".

What's the difference between "somewhat distant" and "very distant"?

"Somewhat distant" implies a moderate degree of separation, while "very distant" indicates a significant or substantial separation. The choice depends on the extent of the distance you want to convey.