a physical distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a physical distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the measurable space between two points or objects in a physical context. Example: "The hikers maintained a physical distance of at least six feet from each other to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Coetzee now lives in Australia, having put in place a physical distance from these fights which matches the emotional one he always had.

The Guardian

But Iyer, the literary stalker, knows he was let off the hook by being kept at a physical distance from the man.

The Guardian - Books

The two men nodded but maintained a physical distance, like rival gang leaders running into each other at a night club.

The New Yorker

The scrims also serve to layer the action of the play, helping to inform the audience that some scenes are being recalled from the past, set at a physical distance from the characters in the forefront, or even dreamed.

The New York Times

God, for example, does not exist at a physical distance from the brain.

SEP

The linked marker of Bph12 t), RM261, was adjacent to Os04g11780, the resistance protein LR10, with a physical distance of 130.5 kb.

Rice

In this paper, we propose a 'reflector filter' which allows us to calculate a physical distance to the single CCR panels of Ajisai.

Earth, Planets and Space

The AI gene encoding for no-apical meristem (NAM) transcription factor (LOC_Os12g29330) is closely linked to the marker RM511, with a physical distance of 9 kb.

Rice

To eliminate the spatial autocorrelation effect, we constructed a physical distance matrix that captures the pairwise Euclidean distance between the injection sites.

Brain Informatics

Bluetooth scans are used to estimate person-to-person interactions corresponding to a physical distance of up to 10 m (30 ft) between participants.

EPJ Data Science

More explicit georeferencing of the plots and inclusion of a physical distance from target plot may reduce the incidence of stray species appearing as ingrowth.

Forest Ecosystems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing relationships, clarify whether you are referring to literal physical separation or metaphorical distance, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a physical distance" when you actually mean emotional detachment; use terms like "emotional distance" or "estrangement" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a physical distance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object of a preposition or a subject complement. It indicates a measurable space or interval between two points or objects. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a physical distance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes the measurable space between two points or objects. As Ludwig AI reports, its application spans across various domains, especially science and news media, where it's crucial to specify spatial separation. Although the phrase is versatile, it's essential to distinguish its literal meaning from metaphorical uses like emotional distance. Remember to clarify the context when discussing relationships to avoid confusion. Maintaining best practices in writing ensures clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical separation

This removes the indefinite article while retaining the core meaning of physical space between objects.

spatial separation

This term highlights the separation existing in space.

measurable separation

This emphasizes the quantifiable aspect of the gap between two points.

distance apart

This is a simpler way to express the space between two objects.

physical gap

This emphasizes the emptiness or space between two things.

linear distance

This term highlights the one-dimensional measurement between two points.

extent of separation

Highlights how much apart two things are.

interval of space

This phrase emphasizes the presence of a space between two items.

range of separation

Highlights the scope of separation.

clearance distance

This emphasizes the space required for something to safely pass or exist.

FAQs

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

You can use "a physical distance" to describe the measurable space between two objects or individuals. For example: "The regulations require maintaining "a physical distance" of six feet."

What's a good alternative to "a physical distance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "spatial separation", "measurable separation", or "distance apart".

Is it correct to say "physical distance" without the article "a"?

Yes, "physical distance" can be used without the article "a", especially when referring to the general concept rather than a specific instance. For example, "Maintaining physical distance is important."

How does "a physical distance" differ from "social distance"?

"A physical distance" refers specifically to the measurable space between individuals or objects. "Social distance", on the other hand, refers to the degree of acceptance or rejection between social groups, although it can also be used euphemistically to refer to "a physical distance" intended to prevent the spread of disease.