a close distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two objects or locations are near each other. Example: "The two houses are situated at a close distance, making it easy for the families to visit each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Specialized RFID chip readers can read the stored information at a close distance.

The New York Times

All of the bodies were sprayed with bullets from a close distance and in different parts of the body like, head, chest and legs.

The Guardian

A periodontist's son who grew up in West Hartford, Conn., and spent summers in Watch Hill, R.I., Mr. Stolman observed the sporting life from a close distance.

The New York Times

Concentrated work at a close distance trains your eyes to work well at short distances, but makes it tougher for them to work well at a long distance.

The New York Times - Tech

Told from a close distance, these stories lack the rich patina of hindsight, their pleasures coming instead from an immediacy and an engaging voice.

The New York Times - Books

But the lawyer for Mr. Ferrell's family said the shots were fired from such a close distance that Mr. Ferrell never had a chance to respond.

The New York Times

As an optometrist in midtown Manhattan, an area densely populated with people who use personal digital assistants, I have noticed an increasing trend toward the need for better visual acuity at a close distance.

The New York Times - Tech

As an optometrist for over 25 years, I have noticed an increase in problems with distance vision as a result of concentrated work on a computer, specifically from working at a close distance.

The New York Times - Tech

(Some neat effects involve action at a close distance — pinning assailants to the ceiling, emptying the cartridge of an attacker's gun before he can shoot her, creating force fields that her pursuers slam up against).

The New Yorker

As the transvestites walked up and down Madison Street looking for clients, a man, who had adopted the dress and manner of a pimp, followed them, sometimes at a close distance.

The New York Times

B) Plasmon excitation from a close distance and following coupling with strong electron production.

Cancer Nanotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing distances, consider the context. Use "a close distance" when the actual measurement isn't important, but the sense of nearness is.

Common error

Avoid using "a close distance" when a specific measurement (e.g., meters, feet) would be more precise and informative. If the exact distance matters, provide the specific measurement instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close distance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to indicate proximity or nearness. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a close distance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to indicate that two or more things are located near each other. While it can be used in various contexts, it's especially common in scientific and news-related writing. When more precision is needed, use exact measurements instead. Alternative expressions include "nearby proximity" and "short range".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearby proximity

Emphasizes the nearness in location.

short range

Focuses on the limited span or extent involved.

in close range

Highlights the state of being near or within a limited area.

in proximity

A more formal way of expressing nearness.

a short space

Highlights the small amount of space separating two points.

close by

A simpler way of saying near.

within earshot

Implies that something is near enough to be heard.

within reach

Suggests something is near enough to be accessed or obtained.

at hand

Indicates something is readily available due to its nearness.

a stone's throw away

An idiomatic expression for a very short distance.

FAQs

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

Use "a close distance" to indicate that two things are located near to each other. For example, "The store is located at a "a close distance" from my house".

What are some alternatives to "a close distance"?

You can use alternatives like "nearby proximity", "short range", or "in proximity" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a close distance" and "a short distance"?

While similar, "a short distance" might imply a more measurable or specific distance, whereas "a close distance" emphasizes the feeling of nearness or proximity. Both are largely interchangeable.

When is it better to use a specific measurement instead of "a close distance"?

If the precise distance is relevant or important, it's better to use a specific measurement like "50 meters" or "10 feet". Use "a close distance" when the exact measurement is not crucial, and you want to convey a sense of nearness.