a large distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant amount of space or separation between two points or objects. Example: "The hikers had to cover a large distance to reach the summit of the mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anywhere covering a large distance on foot.

Independent

Go for unlimited mileage deals if you think you will be covering a large distance.

The Guardian - Travel

That gap is 11 points and Neville admitted: "It is a large distance to make up.

Independent

Infra-red and thermal-vision equipment can reveal a soldier's heat signature at a large distance.

The Economist

The harbor has a shallow slope, with a large distance between the shores at low and high tide.

The New York Times

Liu, Y., Bondarenko, V., Ninfa, A. & Studitsky, V. M. DNA supercoiling allows enhancer action over a large distance.

Nature

Enemy players might have an icon placed over their heads to help identify their class at a large distance.

Stanford University

"I don't know if I would call it a chasm," she said, "but there's a large distance between them".

The New York Times

In the presence of a large distance between the anode and cathode channel, the OCV reached 0.97 V.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

But a quantum communication satellite uses a crystal that produces a pair of entangled photons whose properties remain entwined even as one is transmitted over a large distance.

The New York Times

You can see the close objects are dark, while farther objects (like the wall in the background) are bright - indicating a large distance.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical separation, clarify the units of measurement (e.g., miles, kilometers) to provide a clearer understanding of "a large distance".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a large distance" without providing context. Instead, quantify the distance whenever possible to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large distance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., "separated by a large distance") or as a subject complement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large distance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a considerable separation, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears most commonly in scientific, news-related, and academic contexts. While versatile, providing context with specific measurements is crucial for clarity. Alternatives like ""a substantial distance"" or ""a considerable distance"" can offer slightly different nuances. Understanding its function and purpose ensures its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial distance

Emphasizes the considerable size of the distance.

a considerable distance

Highlights the noteworthiness or significance of the distance.

a great distance

A more general synonym, indicating a significant separation.

a significant separation

Focuses on the act of being separated and the importance of that separation.

a wide gap

Implies a noticeable space or difference between two points.

a long way

An informal way to express a considerable distance.

a broad expanse

Suggests a wide and open area, emphasizing spatial extent.

a far remove

A more formal or literary way to indicate a considerable distance.

a distant point

Emphasizes the remoteness or far-off nature of a specific location.

a lengthy interval

Refers to a large distance with an emphasis on the time to cross it.

FAQs

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

You can use "a large distance" to describe physical separation, such as "The two cities are separated by "a large distance"", or metaphorical separation, such as "There is "a large distance" between their opinions".

What are some alternatives to "a large distance"?

Alternatives include "a substantial distance", "a considerable distance", or "a great distance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "a large distance" or "a long distance"?

While both are acceptable, "a large distance" often implies a more significant or impactful separation than "a long distance", which can simply refer to physical length. The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does the context influence the interpretation of "a large distance"?

The context provides scale. For example, "a large distance" in space might refer to light-years, while "a large distance" in a city might refer to several blocks. Always consider the frame of reference.