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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Keep distance from/to

Is it possible to say "to keep one's distance to something/someone", and what is the difference in meaning from "keep one's distance from something/someone"?
  

Top answer

No, do not use "distance to" in this phrase. "Keep your distance from " is the accepted wording. It means, trying to stay away from a bad situation or a bad person.

— Doctor D

  • No, do not use "distance to" in this phrase.
  • "Keep your distance from " is the accepted wording.
  • It means, trying to stay away from a bad situation or a bad person.
  • The "from" is the subject backing away from the situation.
  • Jack is about to be arrested, so I would keep my distance from him if I were you.
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4 Answers
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No, do not use "distance to" in this phrase.

"Keep your distance from" is the accepted wording. It means, trying to stay away from a bad situation or a bad person. The "from" is the subject backing away from the situation.

Jack is about to be arrested, so I would keep my distance from him if I were you.

"Distance to" is used, for example, when you want to know
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Yeah, I get it, but what when it would be disrespectful to close the distance, so that the "threat" of the persons or perhaps the person and the thing is reversed, and it's not who or what one is distanced from, but the person which closes the distance to someone else or something which is the critical paRmqpsrt.

Say, "keep a respectful distance to the teacher".
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AnonymousSay, "keep a respectful distance to the teacher".
No.

Keep a respectful distance from the teacher.
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