a few steps away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few steps away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a physical distance that is relatively close. For example, "My house is just a few steps away from the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Death is a few steps away.

The New York Times - Arts

A few steps away, Vincent D.

The New York Times

"But we are still a few steps away from that".

The New York Times

Iceland's Central Bank was just a few steps away.

The New Yorker

We've taken a few steps away from depression lately.

The New York Times

Ramírez was still a few steps away from the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

But another music factory is a few steps away.

The New York Times

And the cliff edge was only a few steps away.

The Guardian

There's a beautiful rocky beach just a few steps away.

The Guardian - Travel

A few steps away is the beautifully restored carousel.

The New York Times - Arts

Each grave was but a few steps away from the front door.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few steps away" to create a sense of immediacy or convenience, emphasizing that something is easily accessible or within close reach.

Common error

Avoid using "a few steps away" when the actual distance is considerable or when the proximity is not relevant to the point you're making. For example, don't say "success is just a few steps away" if the path to success involves significant effort and time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few steps away" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase indicating proximity or nearness. It modifies a verb or noun by specifying the distance, suggesting something is easily accessible. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few steps away" is a common and grammatically sound way to express close proximity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media. The phrase serves to emphasize convenience and easy accessibility, making it a versatile addition to your writing. Be mindful of the implied context to ensure accurate usage, and consider alternatives like "nearby" or "just around the corner" for nuanced expressions of nearness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short distance away

Emphasizes the brevity of the distance.

nearby

A more concise way to express close proximity.

in close proximity

A more formal way to indicate nearness.

just around the corner

Suggests the location is very close and easily accessible, often used metaphorically.

within walking distance

Highlights that the location is near enough to be reached by walking.

a stone's throw away

An idiomatic expression indicating very short distance.

close at hand

Implies something is easily accessible or available.

in the vicinity

Refers to the general area or surroundings.

within reach

Can refer to physical proximity or accessibility in a broader sense.

in close range

Suggests something is near enough to be directly affected or interacted with.

FAQs

How can I use "a few steps away" in a sentence?

You can use "a few steps away" to describe the close proximity of something, such as "The coffee shop is just "a few steps away" from my office".

What are some alternatives to "a few steps away"?

Some alternatives include "nearby", "within walking distance", or "just around the corner", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a few steps away" or "nearby"?

Both "a few steps away" and "nearby" are appropriate, but "a few steps away" implies a shorter distance and more immediate accessibility compared to "nearby".

Can "a few steps away" be used metaphorically?

While primarily used for physical distance, "a few steps away" can be used metaphorically to suggest something is easily attainable or achievable, but it's less common than its literal usage.