a big distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant physical separation between two points or locations. Example: "The hikers had to cover a big distance to reach the summit before sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"From picture to reality, there was a big distance," she said.

The New York Times

Zhang claims that playing the character – the Gertrude of the piece – meant she had to traverse a "big distance".

Independent

"But there's a big distance between things being better and having the growth we need to start hiring people".

The New York Times

Have to actively be on guard when he is around, keeping a big distance and not inviting personal contact".

Independent

He was very strict, kept a tight rein on our behaviour, and kept a big distance from us.

The Guardian - Sport

But there is a big distance between the impulse and its full articulation as policy and translation into practice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It's definitely a big step up because not only is it better competition, but they move the mound back so you're pitching from a bigger distance.

The New York Times

This was expected, since a bigger distance leads to a lesser number of overlapping partials.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Additionally, a bigger distance between the pitches of melody and accompaniment also seems to be beneficial.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

For example, a bigger distance between the average pitch of melody and accompaniment seems to be advantageous.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

This robot behavior is safe and comfortable for humans in a passing by situation, since humans prefer a bigger distance and they feel more relaxed when the robot leaves the way open from them [39].

ROBOMECH Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical spaces, use “a big distance” to emphasize the extensiveness of the area, creating a vivid impression of scale for your readers.

Common error

Avoid using “a big distance” when referring to minor or negligible separations. Opt for terms like “a small gap” or “nearby” for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big distance" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or a complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes a separation between two points or locations. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big distance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, to describe a significant separation, both physically and conceptually. It finds frequent application in news, media, and scientific contexts. While similar phrases like "a considerable distance" or "a substantial distance" exist, "a big distance" offers a straightforward and accessible way to convey magnitude. Ensure its use is appropriate to the context, avoiding it for negligible separations, to maintain clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable distance

Emphasizes the size or extent of the separation, suggesting it's worthy of attention.

a substantial distance

Highlights the solid or real nature of separation, implying it's not insignificant.

a significant gap

Shifts the focus to the space between two things, whether physically or conceptually.

a wide margin

Suggests a clear lead or difference, often in a competitive context.

a long way

Offers a more casual and general expression of a significant distance.

a great distance

Uses a slightly more formal tone to express a considerable separation.

a far cry

Implies a large difference or dissimilarity rather than physical distance.

a world apart

Emphasizes the extreme difference or separation between two things.

miles away

Uses a more figurative expression for being distant or disconnected.

poles apart

Highlights the opposition or contrast between two things rather than physical distance.

FAQs

How can I use "a big distance" in a sentence?

Use "a big distance" to describe a significant separation between two points. For instance, "There's "a big distance between" their beliefs and mine" or "The runner covered "a big distance" in record time".

What are some alternatives to "a big distance"?

You can use alternatives such as "a considerable distance", "a substantial distance", or "a significant gap" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a big distance" or "a long distance"?

Both "a big distance" and "a long distance" are correct, but they can convey slightly different nuances. "A long distance" generally refers to physical length, while "a big distance" can also imply a figurative or conceptual separation.

Can "a big distance" be used in contexts other than physical space?

Yes, "a big distance" can be used figuratively to describe differences in opinions, achievements, or progress. For example, "There's "a big distance" between where we are now and our goals".