a few paces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few paces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short distance, often in the context of walking or moving from one place to another. Example: "After walking a few paces, she turned to look back at the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Caleb stood a few paces away.

The Washington Post

(They walk a few paces in silence).

The New York Times

A few paces away was another: portly, bedraggled.

The New Yorker

Reporters were transported a few paces ahead of Mr. McCain.

The New York Times

But the ball dropped into the centerfielder's glove a few paces shy of the warning track.

Princeton University

Within a few paces, though, the exhibition appears to be following a different trail.

Independent

The girl kept a few paces ahead, occasionally glancing back at me over her shoulder.

The New Yorker

In certain rural areas women are still expected to walk a few paces behind their husbands.

The Economist

The Hai'a men took our translator a few paces away and began rebuking him.

The New Yorker

Richens then introduced a dog robot, called Sparko and put him through a few paces.

The New Yorker

Mr. Lebrecht, bless him, stops a few paces short of that professor's idolatry.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few paces" to create a sense of immediacy and movement in descriptive writing. It's more specific than "nearby" but less precise than a measured distance.

Common error

Avoid using "a few paces" in highly formal or technical writing where precise measurements are required. Opt for specific units of distance like meters or feet.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few paces" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb of motion, indicating the extent or distance of the movement. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing spatial relationships and movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few paces" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a short distance. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s versatile enough for many writing styles, but very technical documents may require more precise language. Related phrases, such as “"a short distance"” or “"nearby"”, can be used depending on the desired level of formality and precision. While highly prevalent in news and media, its usage should be considered carefully in formal academic or scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short distance

Replaces the specific notion of 'paces' with a more general term for distance.

a small distance

Similar to "a short distance" but emphasizes the smallness of the gap.

a couple of steps

Uses a more casual term 'steps' instead of 'paces', suitable for informal contexts.

nearby

A simpler, more direct way to express close proximity.

a little ways

Employs a more colloquial expression, suitable for informal settings.

in close proximity

A more formal way to say nearby, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

several steps

Indicates a slightly longer distance than "a couple of steps".

a stone's throw

An idiomatic expression meaning 'not far away'.

just around the corner

Indicates proximity but also implies a change in direction.

within earshot

Focuses on auditory proximity rather than visual or physical distance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few paces" to indicate a short distance, like "He walked "a few paces" and then stopped".

What's the difference between "a few paces" and "nearby"?

"Nearby" indicates general proximity, while "a few paces" suggests a specific, short distance, usually implying movement.

Is it appropriate to use "a few paces" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a few paces" might be too informal for highly technical or scientific writing. Consider using more precise measurements instead.

What are some alternatives to "a few paces"?

Depending on the context, you could use "a short distance", "a couple of steps", or "a little ways".