a long distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long distance" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a significant physical or metaphorical distance between two points or objects. Example: "The runner had to cover a long distance to reach the finish line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

By quite a long distance.

The Guardian - Film

First, it's a long distance from Japan.

Harvard Business Review

I was a long distance runner.

The New York Times

The Mississippi Kite is a long distance migrant.

Cornell University

The Hudsonian Godwit is a long distance Boreal Migrant.

Cornell University

Oracle couldn't sail downwind for a long distance to practice.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

A long-distance relationship developed.

The New York Times

It's such a long-distance effect.

The New Yorker

A long-distance romance developed.

The New York Times - Style

Planning a long-distance road trip?

Cornell University

Tales of a Long-Distance Swimmer.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long distance", consider whether a more specific measurement (e.g., miles, kilometers) would provide greater clarity for the reader. If precision isn't crucial, "a long distance" effectively conveys a general sense of significant separation.

Common error

Ensure that when you use "a long distance", the context makes it clear what the reference points are. Without context, the phrase becomes too vague to be meaningful. Provide reference points to allow the readers to appreciate the distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long distance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig's examples showcase its use to describe the degree of spatial separation between two points. It often serves as an adverbial modifier, indicating how far something is or travels.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long distance" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe significant spatial or metaphorical separation. According to Ludwig, it is commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts. While the phrase is generally appropriate, being mindful of providing adequate context and considering whether more specific measurements might enhance clarity can improve usage. The phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse communication settings. When aiming for alternatives, "a considerable way", "a great span", and "a far stretch" offer similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable way

Emphasizes the extent of the distance, suggesting it's noteworthy.

a great span

Highlights the extent or reach across an area or time.

a far stretch

Implies a distance that is not easily traversed or achieved.

a good ways off

Suggests the destination or object is quite removed from the current position.

a long haul

Emphasizes the duration and effort involved in covering the distance, often used metaphorically.

a substantial range

Focuses on the extent of coverage or reach in terms of distance.

a remote location

Highlights the isolation and separation of a place.

a faraway place

Emphasizes the exotic and distant nature of a location.

a lengthy separation

Focuses on the extended duration of being apart.

a world away

Implies the destination is significantly different or inaccessible.

FAQs

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

"A long distance" can be used to describe physical separation, such as "They drove "a long distance" to reach the coast", or metaphorical separation, such as "We are "a long distance" from achieving our goals".

What are some alternatives to "a long distance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a considerable way", "a great span", or "a far stretch".

Is it better to use "a long distance" or specify the exact distance?

It depends on the context. If precision is needed, specify the exact distance (e.g., "500 miles"). If a general sense of separation is sufficient, ""a long distance"" is appropriate.

Can "a long distance" refer to time as well as space?

While primarily used for spatial separation, ""a long distance"" can be used metaphorically to refer to significant progress or disparity in time, such as "We've come "a long distance" since then".