a distant chair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distant chair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a chair that is located far away from the speaker or the subject being discussed. Example: "In the corner of the room, there was a distant chair that seemed to beckon me to sit down and relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

My husband sat in a distant chair.

The New Yorker

And Cameron, who hugged huskies and put a wind turbine on his house while in opposition, is now just a distant chair of the board.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After more smiles and a few waves to the crowd, she was soon sitting in her chair, with a distant expression on her now familiar face.

The New York Times - Sports

Anti-sexy and inert, the red cube is a distant cousin to Beuys's famous lump of lard on a chair.

The Guardian - Arts

And the no-folding-chair-out-of-place meticulousness has at times contributed to the perception of Mr. Romney as a distant figure.

The New York Times

A distant siren cried.

The New Yorker

A distant foghorn blows.

The New Yorker

They finished a distant third.

The New York Times

This is a distant prospect.

The Economist

That seems a distant prospect.

Independent

Catalina Island, a distant mirage.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distant chair" to create a sense of physical separation or emotional detachment in your writing. It can subtly enhance the mood and setting of a scene.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant chair" when describing a chair that is clearly within close range. This can create a confusing or unintentionally humorous image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant chair" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it identifies a specific chair located at a remove from the speaker or another point of reference.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a distant chair" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a chair that is physically separated or emotionally disconnected from the speaker or other elements in a scene. According to Ludwig, it's more frequently found in news and media contexts. While not a very common phrase, it is suitable for descriptive writing where you want to create a sense of isolation or emphasize spatial arrangement. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to avoid any unintended comedic effect. Consider alternative phrases like "a chair far away" or "an isolated chair" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chair far away

Directly emphasizes the physical separation of the chair.

a chair in the distance

Highlights the chair's presence at a considerable remove.

a remote seat

Uses "remote" to suggest both physical and perhaps emotional disconnection.

a chair across the room

Specifies the location of the chair in relation to the speaker.

a chair at the far end

Emphasizes the chair's position at the extremity of a space.

an isolated chair

Focuses on the chair's separation from other objects or people.

a chair set apart

Indicates the chair has been intentionally placed away from others.

a lonely chair

Adds a layer of emotional connotation to the physical distance.

a chair in a secluded spot

Highlights that the chair is in a place that is private and away from others.

a chair at a remove

Uses 'at a remove' to suggest the chair is set back or apart.

FAQs

How can I use "a distant chair" in a sentence?

You can use "a distant chair" to describe a chair that is physically far away or to suggest a sense of emotional distance. For example, "He sat in "a distant chair", lost in thought."

What are some alternatives to "a distant chair"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a chair far away", "a chair in the distance", or "an isolated chair".

Is it correct to say "a far chair" instead of "a distant chair"?

While "far" can indicate physical distance, "distant" often implies a greater separation or even emotional remoteness. "A far chair" isn't incorrect, but "a distant chair" is generally more evocative.

What connotations does "a distant chair" carry?

"A distant chair" often suggests loneliness, isolation, or a deliberate separation. It can also create a sense of mystery or anticipation, depending on the context. It's a good way to build a atmosphere in your scenes.