a safe distance

USAGE SUMMARY

"a safe distance" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means a certain distance that is considered safe or appropriate for a specific situation. You can use "a safe distance" when describing the recommended distance between two objects or people, or when discussing the distance needed to avoid potential danger. Example: "It's important to maintain a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But keep a safe distance.

The New York Times

I stayed at a safe distance.

The New York Times

— a safe distance from Hurricane Sandy.

The New York Times

Crowds watching from a safe distance applauded.

The New York Times

Bill moved his beer cup to a safe distance.

The New York Times

The dog followed, always keeping a safe distance.

The New Yorker

We are now a safe distance from that summer.

The New York Times

Most protesters kept a safe distance from the barrier.

The New York Times

Stay a safe distance to reduce stress on wildlife.

The Washington Post

Natural predators are kept at a safe distance.

The Washington Post

The free world kept a safe distance when Syria erupted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions involving potential hazards, specify what constitutes "a safe distance" in measurable terms (e.g., feet, meters) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a safe distance" without context. What's considered safe varies greatly depending on the situation. Clearly define the specific distance required for the context you're writing about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a safe distance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as an object of a verb or preposition, indicating the maintenance of spatial separation for safety or security. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and used in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

22%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a safe distance" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that indicates maintaining sufficient separation to ensure safety. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is versatile and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and wiki sources. When using "a safe distance", be precise by specifying the actual distance required for safety and adapting your language to suit the audience. Alternative phrases, such as "a reasonable gap" or "an adequate buffer zone", can provide nuanced variations of the concept. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the importance of maintaining "a safe distance" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable gap

Emphasizes the adequacy of the separation, implying it's enough to prevent issues.

a secure perimeter

Focuses on establishing a boundary for security, rather than just distance.

a considerable separation

Underscores the significant extent of the space between objects or entities.

an adequate buffer zone

Highlights creating a zone or space to mitigate potential risks.

a comfortable remove

Emphasizes the ease and security felt due to the maintained distance.

a precautionary space

Implies the distance is maintained as a proactive safety measure.

a protective clearance

Focuses on the space kept clear to offer protection.

a necessary interval

Highlights the importance of the gap for a particular reason or function.

a calculated margin

Highlights the deliberate and precise nature of maintaining separation.

a strategic withdrawal

Suggests moving back to a safer location in a planned way.

FAQs

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

You can use "a safe distance" to describe the space one should keep from something potentially dangerous. For example: "Remember to keep "a safe distance from the fire"".

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

Alternatives to "a safe distance" include "a reasonable gap", "an adequate buffer zone", or "a considerable separation", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what "a safe distance" is?

While not always mandatory, specifying the actual distance is recommended for clarity, especially when safety is critical. For example, instead of saying "maintain a safe distance", say "maintain "a distance of at least 10 feet"".

What factors determine what "a safe distance" is?

The context determines what constitutes "a safe distance". Consider factors like speed, object size, potential hazards, and intended purpose. What's safe from a campfire isn't safe from a moving vehicle.