to take distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to take distance" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is usually used to mean being physically away from something or someone, metaphorically in terms of one's feelings, or figuratively in terms of one's perspective. For example: "The situation had become too intense for me, so I decided to take distance and observe it from a distance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Those schools generally charge high tuition, and students will find it cheaper to take distance learning courses for at least part of their degree program.

The New York Times

"Behind it, there wasn't any desire to hurt me, only a permanent reminder that it was necessary to take distance from things," she explains.

The New Yorker

Indeed, that for which she faulted Eichmann was his failure to be critical of positive law, that is, a failure to take distance from the requirements that law and policy imposed upon him; in other words, she faults him for his obedience, his lack of critical distance, or his failure to think.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nearby, "amid the thorns and withered grass...dusty paths strewn with animal ordure meander up" to three Arab villages destined to fall in the looming war.Reflecting later on Israel's failings, Philo concludes that "to understand without the ache, you need to take distance from the scene".

The Economist

The initiative also allows students at participating institutions to take distance courses at other participating institutions.

Wikipedia

The initiative also allows students at participating institutions to take distance courses at other participating institutions and forms a partnership of research.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The key idea is not to take distances on the page seriously.

SEP

However, only a limited number of studies take distance to emergency care services into consideration when studying patients' healthcare seeking behavior [ 3, 13- 15].

BMC Family Practice

That's what animation, and art in general, teaches to us: taking distance from reality to tell it better.

Vice

Also pupils were interviewed on school absenteeism due to illness, action taken, distance to the nearest health facility (time taken by walking) and cost of treatment.

BMC Public Health

Sometimes you have to take a distance from the catastrophe people have predicted".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to take distance" when you want to emphasize the act of creating space, whether physical or emotional, in order to gain clarity or perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "to take distance" interchangeably with "to create distancing". "To take distance" implies a conscious effort to separate, while "distancing" is a continuous and evolving process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to take distance" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a verb complement or adverbial modifier. It describes the action of creating space or separation, either physically or emotionally, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to take distance" is a grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to describe creating separation for clarity or perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides diverse examples across various contexts. While not overly common, its usage is consistent in news, scientific, and general writing. Remember to distinguish it from "to distance oneself", and consider context-appropriate alternatives like "to gain perspective" or "to step back" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to distance oneself

A reflexive form emphasizing personal disengagement.

to step back

Suggests a more immediate and less permanent form of distancing.

to create separation

Emphasizes the act of making a division or gap.

to gain perspective

Focuses on achieving a broader understanding by stepping back.

to withdraw from

Indicates a retreat or removal from a situation or relationship.

to establish space

Highlights the act of creating physical or emotional room.

to cultivate detachment

Implies a deliberate effort to become less involved or affected.

to make room

Focuses on clearing space, either physically or metaphorically.

to foster objectivity

Stresses the development of an unbiased viewpoint.

to abstract oneself

Highlights an intellectual or philosophical removal from a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "to take distance" in a sentence?

You can use "to take distance" when describing the action of creating space for clarity. For example, "It's often helpful to "to take distance" from a problem before trying to solve it."

What does it mean "to take distance" from a situation?

"To take distance" from a situation means to create space between yourself and the situation, either physically or emotionally, in order to gain a clearer perspective or to reduce stress.

Is it the same "to take distance" or "to distance oneself"?

While similar, ""to take distance"" often implies a deliberate act, while "to distance oneself" emphasizes the reflexive action of separating oneself.

What can I say instead of "to take distance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to create separation", "to gain perspective", or "to step back".