a good distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good distance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an amount of physical or figurative space between two people, things, or events. For example, "The ship sailed a good distance away from the shore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That means he flew a good distance.

The Washington Post

The Earth and Moon are a good distance away from the Sun.

Cornell University

Indeed, some of the shooting victims appear to have been a good distance away from it.

The New Yorker

She is still trying to locate herself, but she has travelled a good distance already.

The New Yorker

With any luck, she'll do it a good distance from your house.

The New York Times

Eventually they win a free-kick a good distance from goal near the right touchline.

The Guardian - Sport

The boys' and girls' dorms will be a good distance from one another.

The New York Times

We passed down the channel a good distance before the boat slowed.

The New Yorker

Sudden motion, even from a good distance, can spook birds into flying away.

The New York Times

Perhaps, but right now, the end zone still seems a good distance away.

The New York Times

That's a good distance from Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, where the first shop opened in 2001.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing or advising, specify the actual distance in measurable terms whenever possible, such as "Maintain a good distance—at least six feet—from others."

Common error

Avoid using "a good distance" without providing context or specific measurements. Over-reliance on the phrase can lead to ambiguity; instead, quantify the distance or provide a relatable reference point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good distance" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It indicates the extent of separation between two points or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a good distance" is a versatile and common expression used to describe a noticeable separation between two points, objects, or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Wiki entries, indicating its broad applicability. However, it's often more effective to use specific measurements or relatable reference points to avoid ambiguity. While "a good distance" can be helpful in general communication, providing more precise details enhances clarity and ensures your message is easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable distance

Emphasizes the amount of separation.

significant distance

Highlights the importance or impact of the separation.

substantial distance

Suggests a notable or measurable separation.

appreciable distance

Implies a distance that is easily perceived or recognized.

fair distance

Indicates a reasonable or moderate separation.

reasonable distance

Similar to 'fair distance', suggesting an acceptable separation.

notable distance

Highlights that the separation is worth mentioning.

respectable distance

Implies the distance is sufficient for a particular purpose.

marked distance

Suggests a clear and obvious separation.

considerable way

Uses "way" instead of "distance" to express extent or separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good distance" to describe physical separation, as in, "The houses were built "a good distance" from each other", or to describe a figurative difference, as in, "They remained "a good distance" apart in their opinions".

What are some alternatives to "a good distance"?

Alternatives include "considerable distance", "significant distance", or "substantial distance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate substitute.

Is it more effective to use precise measurements instead of "a good distance"?

While "a good distance" is acceptable in general contexts, using precise measurements (e.g., "ten feet", "two miles") provides greater clarity and avoids ambiguity, especially in technical or instructional writing.

Can "a good distance" be used to describe non-physical separation?

Yes, "a good distance" can be used metaphorically to describe differences in opinions, values, or progress. For example, "The two candidates were "a good distance" apart on economic policy".