What are the definitions of “drift apart”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Slowly cease to be close to or friends with someone.
We were great friends at school but DRIFTED APART when we went to different universities.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drift apart”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drift apart is to slowly become less close or less friendly with someone over time. This can happen due to various reasons, such as distance, changes in interests, or life circumstances.
What are the different verb forms of “drift apart”?
| Root Verb | drift apart |
| Third Person Singular Present | drifts apart |
| Present Participle | drifting apart |
| Simple Past | drifted apart |
| Past Participle | drifted apart |
Example
We used to be close, but we drifted apart after high school.
Example
She drifts apart from her childhood friends as they grow older.
Example
They are drifting apart since they moved to different cities.
Example
We drifted apart after we started working in different companies.
Example
Our friendship has drifted apart over the years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drift apart”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“drift apart” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We drifted apart after college.
Example
Their relationship drifted apart as they focused on their careers.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“drift apart” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We drifted apart after college.
Example
Their relationship drifted apart as they focused on their careers.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drift apart”?
Good things to know
Does “drift apart” have an informal or formal tone?
Drift apart is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as written communication or presentations, depending on the specific context.
