a fair distance

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fair distance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a considerable or moderate distance, for example: "We had to drive a fair distance to get to the lake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's a fair distance," I said.

The Guardian - Books

The school carpark is a fair distance from the reception.

The Guardian

Still, Anelka was allowed to run a fair distance before he got his shot off.

Independent

However, in this context, solid is still a fair distance from the metrics of mainstream pop.

The New Yorker

They each chose colleges a fair distance away, places where they knew virtually no one.

The New York Times

Yachvili knocks it between the posts from a fair distance out just to the right.

The Guardian - Sport

It's best to keep pills a fair distance from your dishwasher, oven, stove or microwave.

The Washington Post

Jenkins was an apple who fell a fair distance from the tree.

The Guardian - Books

On a windy night, his shot from a fair distance on the angle hit a post.

The Guardian - Sport

They're improving, but right now are a fair distance from capturing anyone's imagination.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He's a fair distance from the flag, though, and doesn't look particularly thrilled with the result.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing distances, consider the context and choose a more specific measurement if precision is needed. While "a fair distance" is acceptable, providing miles or kilometers adds clarity.

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing "a fair distance" in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise and quantifiable measures to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fair distance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the extent of separation or movement, indicating a moderate or considerable separation between two points. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

23%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fair distance" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a moderate to considerable separation. Ludwig's analysis shows it's versatile, appearing across news, wikis, and scientific texts. While the phrase is widely applicable, remember to consider context; more precise measurements might be preferable in formal or scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, making it a reliable choice for general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Quite a way

Indicates a considerable distance, but can sometimes imply a slight underestimation.

A good distance

Similar to the original, but slightly less formal and emphasizes the positive aspect of the distance.

A considerable distance

More formal and emphasizes the significance of the distance.

A significant distance

Highlights the importance or impact of the separation.

A long way

More colloquial and focuses on the length of the journey or separation.

Some distance

Implies a noticeable amount of separation.

A stretch

Suggests a continuous area or length of something.

A certain distance

Indicates an unspecified but definite distance.

A piece

Commonly used in informal speech to express distance.

A space

Refers to a gap between objects, implying the distance between them.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fair distance" to describe a moderate to considerable separation between two points. For instance, "The cabin is "a fair distance from the town", offering privacy and seclusion."

What are some alternatives to "a fair distance"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a good distance", "a considerable distance", or "quite a way" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "a fair distance" or a specific measurement?

While "a fair distance" is acceptable for general descriptions, using specific measurements like miles or kilometers provides greater clarity and precision, especially in technical or scientific contexts.

What's the difference between "a fair distance" and "a long way"?

"A fair distance" suggests a moderate separation, while "a long way" often implies a more significant or arduous journey. The choice depends on the degree of separation you wish to emphasize.