a real distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing physical measurements or metaphorical distances in various contexts, such as science, literature, or personal experiences. Example: "The journey felt longer than expected, as we had to cover a real distance of over 500 miles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"This is a real distance.

The New York Times - Sports

"I've always kept a real distance," he said.

The New Yorker

Even so, a real distance separated Trump's position from Bannon's.

The New Yorker

"For a while, there was a real distance between me and Mrs Parks over this.

The Guardian

Mr. Charles said he could feel a real distance between the people working around the modules and the crew inside.

The New York Times

Many of Trump's commitments were already plain: he was by far the most nationalist Republican in the race, the one who had built his candidacy on hostility to "illegal immigrants". Even so, a real distance separated Trump's position from Bannon's.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This is of historical interest since FSDPs were observed for the first time in each compound and/or alloy studied, and these were associated with a real space distance of ~5.5 A in the MRO regime.

Nanoscale Research Letters

This is why unfriending, blocking or deleting helps to keep a true and real distance.

Los Angeles Times

Applying the data processing method for particle streak imaging developed ourselves, the linear velocity of particle at the lateral position of the channel was determined in terms of a ratio of the real distance to the number of pixels.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

Note that this equation assumes the transmitter is very far away compared with D. Thus, θ can be expressed as a function of the real distance, D, the angle of the transmitter, ϕ, the frequency of interest, f, and the speed of light, c.

Cornell University

The scale is the ratio of the distance between two points on a map and their real distance on the field.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a real distance", ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to a literal physical measurement or a metaphorical separation, such as in relationships or ideologies. For clarity, add details that specify the context in order to make the meaning unambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "a real distance" when you actually mean "a significant difference" or "a major disparity". While 'real' can sometimes imply importance, it primarily denotes authenticity or tangibility. Using it inappropriately can make your writing sound awkward or imprecise. For instance, avoid saying "There's a real distance between their opinions" if you simply mean they disagree strongly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real distance" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object, specifying the extent of separation between two points, whether literal or figurative. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from physical measurements to ideological divides.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

44%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real distance" is a noun phrase used to describe the physical or metaphorical separation between two entities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in writing. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts. While alternatives like "a considerable distance" and "a significant distance" can be used, "a real distance" emphasizes the authenticity and tangibility of the separation. When using this phrase, consider whether it is the most precise and appropriate choice for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable distance

Emphasizes the size or extent of the distance, suggesting it is noteworthy.

a substantial distance

Similar to "considerable distance", but can imply a greater impact or effect.

a significant distance

Highlights the importance or consequence of the distance.

an actual distance

Focuses on the fact that the distance is genuine and not an approximation.

a measurable distance

Stresses the ability to quantify the distance.

a physical distance

Specifies that the distance is related to the tangible world.

a great distance

A more general term indicating a large separation.

a faraway distance

Suggests the distance involves remote locations.

an appreciable distance

Similar to "considerable", implying the distance is easily noticed or perceived.

a genuine separation

Focuses on the authentic separation between two points or entities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real distance" to describe a physical measurement, such as "The runners covered "a real distance" of 10 kilometers". It can also describe a metaphorical separation, like "There was "a real distance" between their beliefs after the argument".

What are some alternatives to "a real distance"?

Alternatives include "a considerable distance", "a substantial distance", or "a significant distance", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a different aspect of the distance.

Is it better to say "real distance" or "actual distance"?

"Actual distance" and "real distance" are often interchangeable, but "real distance" can sometimes carry a stronger implication of being tangible or physically measurable. "Actual distance" may be preferred when contrasting with a calculated or perceived distance.

When should I use "a real distance" instead of "a long distance"?

Use ""a real distance"" when you want to emphasize the authenticity or tangibility of the distance. "A long distance" simply indicates that the distance is great, without necessarily focusing on its real or measurable nature.