a block apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a block apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the distance between two locations, typically in an urban setting. Example: "The two coffee shops are just a block apart, making it easy to visit both in one trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The night being balmy, we head home on foot up Columbus Avenue to apartments a block apart.

The New York Times - Arts

Manhattan A family-run investment group has bought a portfolio of two apartment buildings, a block apart, in Washington Heights.

The New York Times

The Bolners and Birbara discovered they live a block apart in New York City.

Harvard University

They lived a block apart in Kew Gardens Hills, each in her childhood home.

The New York Times

They lived a block apart in Notting Hill, pitching themselves as a package.

The New York Times

They were Giants fans living a block apart deep in Dodgers territory, in Bensonhurst.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The two Johns have never been particularly close, either in the Senate or socially, despite living a mere block apart in Georgetown.

The Economist

It took Valentine a decade to travel between those two points, just a few blocks apart, a symbolic journey that says so much about how far he has come.

The New York Times - Sports

The chance to see these two paintings in the same city, just a few blocks apart, is a revelation not to be missed.

The New York Times - Arts

But in Manhattan, similar apartments a few blocks apart can have different values based on proximity to the subway or a park, or whether the building has a doorman or a gym.

The New York Times

Forty five minutes earlier, a "GMA" staffer had gone to the "Today" show studio — they are only a few blocks apart in midtown Manhattan — with a gift for Mr. Lauer: a bucket of golf balls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a block apart" to clearly indicate a short distance between two locations, particularly in urban settings. For example: "The bakery and the library are just "a block apart", making it convenient for a quick visit after picking up a book."

Common error

Avoid using "a block apart" when the distance is significantly more than one block, as it can be misleading. If the locations are several blocks away, specify the approximate number of blocks or use a more general term like "nearby".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a block apart" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate spatial proximity. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage in describing the relative locations of buildings, people, or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a block apart" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverbial phrase that effectively conveys a short distance between two locations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. When writing, be sure the distance is indeed one block for accurate usage. Alternative phrases include "one block away" or "nearby". Its versatility and clear meaning make it valuable across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one block away

Emphasizes the distance from a single reference point.

a street apart

Highlights the separation by a street.

in close proximity

Focuses on the general closeness of the locations.

within walking distance

Indicates the ease of reaching the location on foot.

nearby

A general term for locations that are not far from each other.

a short distance away

Emphasizes the brevity of the separation.

just around the corner

Suggests that something is very close and easy to find.

a stone's throw away

An idiomatic expression that means very close.

situated adjacently

Formal way to state something is next to.

in the vicinity

Describes the area surrounding a particular place.

FAQs

How can I use "a block apart" in a sentence?

You can use "a block apart" to describe the distance between two places in a city. For example, "The two restaurants are just "a block apart", so you can easily try both."

What is a synonym for "a block apart"?

Synonyms for "a block apart" include "one block away", "a street apart", or "nearby". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a block away" instead of "a block apart"?

Yes, it is correct to say "a block away". Both phrases are commonly used to indicate that two places are separated by the distance of one city block.

What's the difference between "a block apart" and "a few blocks apart"?

"A block apart" refers to the specific distance of one block. "A few blocks apart" indicates a distance of more than one block, but not a large number. For example, the distance between central station and nearby businesses is "a few blocks apart".