a shorter distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shorter distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing distances, indicating that one distance is less than another. Example: "Taking the shortcut resulted in a shorter distance to the destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The answer is to ride over a shorter distance, but faster.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A particularly fast workout at a shorter distance could have left him too worked up.

The New York Times - Sports

Typically, a shorter distance between you and your goal is more motivating than a longer one.

Harvard Business Review

Mercury is going much faster and has a shorter distance to travel.

The New York Times - Style

A shorter distance swam by the runners also suggested improved learning over the nonrunners (p < 0.05).

Brain Research

A shorter distance between customers and suppliers (and indeed friends and lovers) is one.

The Economist

Smaller ion size causes stronger helix-helix attraction and stabilizes the helices at a shorter distance.

Biophysical Journal

This allows a shorter distance between spray nozzles and heat exchangers.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

He knew the terrain was friendlier towards Langkawi and also a shorter distance".

BBC

Throwing from a shorter distance presented a problem, his third-inning error costing a run.

The New York Times - Sports

On the zigzagging upwind legs, that meant the boat could sail a shorter distance to the mark.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing distances, ensure the context clearly establishes what the "shorter distance" is being compared to. For example, instead of saying "It's a shorter distance", specify "It's a shorter distance than the original route".

Common error

Avoid using "a shorter distance" without specifying what it's shorter than. For example, saying "We took a shorter distance" is unclear. Instead, specify: "We took a shorter distance than the highway route".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shorter distance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "shorter" is an adjective modifying the noun "distance". It is commonly used to indicate a comparative measurement, specifying that one length is less than another, confirmed by Ludwig's AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a shorter distance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a reduced length or proximity. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While widely applicable, ensuring clarity by specifying what the distance is shorter than is crucial for effective communication. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. When looking for alternatives, consider "a closer range" or "a reduced length" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a closer range

Focuses on proximity or nearness, rather than just physical length.

a reduced length

Highlights the diminished measurement of something.

a smaller gap

Emphasizes the space between two points being less.

a nearer point

Indicates a location that is not as far away.

a more proximate location

More formal way to say "a closer location".

a condensed span

Suggests that the space is packed or squeezed into a smaller space.

a lessened separation

Emphasizes the decrease in the amount of space between objects or points.

a minimized interval

Focuses on making the amount of time or space as small as possible.

a curtailed route

Highlights that the route is shorter than original.

a compressed path

Implies a squeezed or shortened path.

FAQs

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

You can use "a shorter distance" when comparing two or more lengths. For example: "Taking the shortcut resulted in "a shorter distance" to the destination".

What are some alternatives to "a shorter distance"?

Some alternatives include "a closer range", "a reduced length", or "a smaller gap" depending on the specific context.

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

While not always grammatically required, specifying the comparison helps ensure clarity. Providing context like "a shorter distance than the highway" eliminates ambiguity.

Can "a shorter distance" refer to something other than physical space?

While most commonly used for physical space, "a shorter distance" can metaphorically apply to things like time or effort. For instance, "There's "a shorter distance" between wanting something and getting it with this new system."