a great distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant physical space or metaphorical gap between two points or concepts. Example: "The two cities are separated by a great distance, making travel between them quite challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dragged a great distance.

The New Yorker

We have come a great distance.

The New Yorker

Some have traveled a great distance.

The New York Times

Sheryl is seen and imagined from a great distance.

The New York Times

Some companies go a great distance to promote paternal transference.

Harvard Business Review

From a great distance he could discern his ridiculousness.

The New Yorker

He felt a great distance between himself and Sigrid.

The New Yorker

He's seeing England and Englishness from a great distance.

The New York Times - Style

We walked a great distance in the snow.

The New York Times

"A great distance when one has something delicate to negotiate.

The New Yorker

The jet transport carries passengers for a great distance at high speed.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great distance", ensure the context clearly establishes the points being separated, whether physically or conceptually. For example, "They traveled a great distance to attend the conference" clearly indicates a physical separation.

Common error

Be careful when using pronouns after mentioning "a great distance". Make sure the pronoun's antecedent is clear to avoid confusing the reader. For example, instead of "They crossed a great distance and it was exhausting", clarify: "They crossed a great distance, and the journey was exhausting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great distance" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the extent of movement, separation, or progress. Ludwig shows many examples where it describes travel or separation. It also functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a preposition, for example, 'from a great distance'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great distance" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a significant separation, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. When writing, ensure clarity in pronoun references and consider using synonyms like "a considerable distance" or "a long way" for variety. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "a great distance" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable distance

Emphasizes the substantial length or space involved.

a substantial distance

Highlights the importance or size of the distance.

a significant distance

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of the separation.

a long way

A more informal way to express a significant separation.

a far distance

Similar to "a great distance", but with a slightly different emphasis on remoteness.

a vast distance

Implies an exceptionally large or expansive separation.

a considerable length

Focuses on the linear measurement of the distance.

a good distance

A more casual and less precise way of expressing a significant separation.

a fair distance

Similar to "a good distance", suggesting a reasonable but not extreme separation.

a lengthy journey

Shifts the focus to the act of traveling over the distance.

FAQs

What does "a great distance" mean?

The phrase "a great distance" refers to a significant separation between two points, whether physically or metaphorically. It implies that the points are far apart or that a substantial amount of progress has been made.

What are some synonyms for "a great distance"?

You can use alternatives such as "a considerable distance", "a long way", or "a far distance" depending on the context.

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

You can use "a great distance" to describe physical separation, like "The two cities are separated by a great distance", or metaphorical separation, like "The company has come a great distance since its humble beginnings".

Is it better to use "a great distance" or "a long distance"?

Both "a great distance" and "a long distance" are acceptable, but "a great distance" can sometimes imply a more significant or impressive separation. The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.