a block away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a block away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a distance of one block from a specific location, often in urban contexts. Example: "The coffee shop is just a block away from my apartment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was arrested about a block away.

The New York Times

Lincoln Park is a block away.

The New York Times

"The bus stop's a block away".

The New York Times

The blast was heard a block away.

The New York Times

The ocean was just a block away.

The New Yorker

A bus stop is a block away.

The New York Times

The bus stop was a block away.

The New York Times

That factory is a block away".

The New York Times

Lafayette Park is about a block away.

The New York Times

He lives a block away.

The New York Times

It's just a block away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a block away" to provide a clear, easily understood reference to distance, especially in urban environments where blocks are a common unit of measurement. Ensure the context makes it clear what constitutes 'a block' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a block away" in rural or less structured environments where the concept of a 'block' is not applicable. Instead, use more appropriate distance indicators like 'a short walk' or 'nearby'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a block away" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the distance or proximity of something. It describes where something is located in relation to another point of reference, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a block away" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used primarily to indicate a short distance, specifically one block, from a given location. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is widely used in news and media contexts to provide readers with a clear and easily understandable reference point. While its usage is generally neutral, it's best suited for urban or structured environments where the concept of a 'block' is well-defined. When writing, ensure clarity and avoid overusing it in non-urban settings to maintain precision and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short distance away

A more general phrase indicating that something is not far.

nearby

Indicates a general closeness in location without specifying an exact distance.

in close proximity

A more formal way of saying nearby, suggesting a short distance.

just down the street

Indicates a short distance along the same street.

just around the corner

Suggests a very short distance, implying ease of access.

in the immediate vicinity

Emphasizes closeness to the specified location, but is more formal.

within walking distance

Focuses on the feasibility of reaching a place by walking.

a short hop away

Suggests that the destination is easily and quickly reached.

a stone's throw away

An idiomatic expression meaning very close by.

within a short stroll

Suggests a pleasant, short walk is all that's needed to arrive.

FAQs

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

You can use "a block away" to describe the proximity of one location to another. For example, "The grocery store is just "a block away" from my house".

What is a more formal alternative to "a block away"?

A more formal alternative to "a block away" could be "a short distance" or "in close proximity", which are less colloquial and suitable for professional contexts.

Is "a block away" specific to a particular region?

While the concept of a 'block' is primarily associated with urban planning in North America, the phrase "a block away" is widely understood in many English-speaking regions to indicate a short distance. However, its exact length can vary.

What's the difference between ""a block away"" and "just around the corner"?

"A block away" provides a more specific unit of measurement, while "just around the corner" implies a very short, often unseen, distance. "Just around the corner" suggests it's easily accessible, but doesn't give a precise distance.