a few feet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few feet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small distance, typically in a physical context. Example: "The dog ran a few feet ahead of its owner before stopping to sniff the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were a few feet from the stone.

The New Yorker

The artifact stood a few feet away.

The New Yorker

The ball missed by a few feet.

The New York Times - Sports

And I bunked a few feet away.

The New Yorker

The fish was a few feet long.

The New Yorker

Mahoney was a few feet away.

The New York Times - Sports

They convened a few feet away.

The New Yorker

Officer Gentile was a few feet away.

The New York Times

Leno was sitting a few feet away.

The Guardian

He nudged a ball a few feet.

The New Yorker

Adolescent girls clustered a few feet away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a few feet" with directional adverbs (e.g., "away", "behind", "to the left") to enhance clarity and provide precise locational context.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a few feet" when greater accuracy is needed. If precision is critical, consider using more exact measurements or providing a visual reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few feet" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It indicates a short distance, providing spatial context to the action or state being described. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few feet" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a short distance. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as an adverbial phrase, providing spatial context. It appears frequently in news articles, wiki pages and scientific publications. When writing, use "a few feet" to give your audience a relatable sense of scale, but remember to use more precise measurements if accuracy is paramount. Alternative phrases include "a short distance", "nearby", and "close by".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short distance

Emphasizes the brevity of the separation without specifying the exact measurement.

close by

Highlights the closeness in location, suitable when exact measurement is unimportant.

nearby

A general term for proximity, lacking the specificity of "a few feet".

within earshot

Focuses on the ability to hear, implying nearness in terms of auditory perception.

a couple of steps away

Relates the distance to the act of walking, useful in describing pedestrian movement.

in close proximity

More formal, indicating nearness but without a specific measurement.

within reach

Focuses on the ability to physically access something from that distance.

a handful of steps

Expresses distance in terms of steps, implying a more casual measurement.

just around the corner

Implies a slightly greater distance, suggesting a change in direction is needed.

a stone's throw away

An idiomatic expression suggesting a short, easily traversable distance.

FAQs

How can I use "a few feet" in a sentence?

You can use "a few feet" to describe a short distance between two objects or people. For example, "The table was "a few feet" from the wall."

What can I say instead of "a few feet"?

You can use alternatives like "a short distance", "nearby", or "close by" depending on the context.

Is it more accurate to say "a few feet" or "several feet"?

"A few feet" indicates a smaller distance than "several feet". Choose the phrase that best represents the actual distance you're describing.

In what situations is it best to use "a few feet" instead of a more precise measurement?

Use "a few feet" when an approximate distance is sufficient and precise measurements aren't necessary. It's useful for providing a general sense of proximity or separation.