a satisfactory distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a satisfactory distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an appropriate or acceptable amount of space or separation between two points or objects. Example: "The runners maintained a satisfactory distance from each other to ensure safety during the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To qualify for features (measured by experiments) in our classifier, any two features must not be statistically correlated, must give a satisfactory distance separation in the feature space (between classes) and must offer good generalization for the predictor [ 110- 112].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Its output tends to be explicitly city related, and while The Silence Room cannot entirely be subtitled "The Book of Newcastle", O'Brien does muscular justice to this historic city, a gateway to other worlds: "the bridges and the river that ran darkly beneath them, of the river's mouth and the vast satisfactory distances beyond, from here to either pole and on to Singapore and Valparaíso".

The Guardian - Books

Consequently, it appears that the structure of corncrake's broadcast calls provides listeners with a satisfactory set of distance assessment cues, without the need to fall back on the more time-consuming techniques of active localisation.

Acta Ethologica

Stress was moderate (0.13), suggesting the two dimensional plot was a satisfactory representation of Bray-Curtis distance.

Plosone

She had maintained a satisfactory ocular alignment (orthotropic at distance, 6 PD ET at near).

BMC Ophthalmology

If you don't know who's across the room, do you look in your immediate vicinity for a satisfactory partner or risk a long-distance hike with an uncertain payoff?" Issue No. 3: Are you the center of the social universe or just a satellite?

The New York Times - Magazine

This is the farthest distance where network can sustain a satisfactory connection in the experimental environment.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The most effective index for achieving a satisfactory level of speech privacy was selected, choosing between spectral distance and the articulation index.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

A discriminated distance of 5 mm or less was considered a satisfactory sensory response.

BioMed Research International

Chris McGrath's nap Nickels and Dimes (8.50 Windsor) Made a satisfactory seasonal debut two weeks ago on the all-weather and steps up to a distance likely to suit her well.

Independent

For longer sequences of P4P6, counting correctly predicted base pairs appeared to distance RNAcoast a little more from RNAfold; but neither programs achieved a satisfactory sensitivity.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing safety protocols or spatial arrangements, use "a satisfactory distance" to clearly communicate the need for adequate separation between objects or individuals to prevent issues or ensure proper function.

Common error

Avoid using "a satisfactory distance" when a smaller distance is actually acceptable or even preferable. Ensure the context truly requires a distance that meets a reasonable standard, as overstating this requirement can lead to unnecessary constraints or misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a satisfactory distance" functions as a noun phrase, where "satisfactory" modifies the noun "distance". It specifies the quality or degree of the distance in meeting certain requirements or expectations. Ludwig shows that the adjective serves to define the noun.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a satisfactory distance" is a noun phrase used to describe a spatial separation that fulfills certain requirements or expectations. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that its occurrence is relatively rare. The phrase's usage spans various contexts, with a slight inclination towards science and news media. Alternatives include "an adequate separation" or "an appropriate spacing". When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely necessitates a separation that meets a reasonable standard and avoid overstating this requirement. Although it is considered correct, there are more frequent and more specific choices that can be made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an appropriate spacing

Emphasizes that the spacing is suitable for a given context.

an adequate separation

Emphasizes that the separation is sufficient for a particular purpose.

a sufficient gap

Highlights the gap as being enough.

a workable separation

Highlights the separation as being practical and effective.

an acceptable range

Focuses on the range being within acceptable limits.

a reasonable space

Suggests that the space is fair and appropriate.

a comfortable distance

Indicates the distance is enough to create a sense of ease.

a tolerable interval

Implies that the interval is bearable or allowable.

an allowable margin

Focuses on the margin being permitted or within defined limits.

an ample berth

Suggests a generous amount of space for safety or maneuverability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a satisfactory distance" to describe the space between objects or people that meets a certain requirement or expectation. For example, "The seats were arranged at "an appropriate spacing" to ensure everyone had a clear view."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an adequate separation", "a sufficient gap", or "an appropriate spacing".

Is it better to say "a satisfactory distance" or "an appropriate distance"?

Both "a satisfactory distance" and "an appropriate distance" are correct, but "appropriate" might be more versatile. "Satisfactory" implies that the distance meets a specific requirement, while "appropriate" suggests the distance is suitable for a given situation.

When is it important to maintain "a satisfactory distance"?

Maintaining "a satisfactory distance" is crucial in situations where safety, privacy, or functionality are concerns. Examples include social distancing during a pandemic, keeping "an acceptable range" from hazardous materials, or ensuring sufficient space for equipment operation.