a significant distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a measurable gap or space between two points, often in physical or metaphorical contexts. Example: "The two cities are separated by a significant distance, making travel between them time-consuming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Admittedly the government has gone a significant distance.

The Guardian

On Wong's list, only Chengdu, Chongqing and Wuhan lie a significant distance from the ocean.

The New York Times

Drivers determined to make more than a few dollars often have rejected riders who are not traveling a significant distance.

The New York Times

Clinton was reportedly using the women's restroom, which was a significant distance away from the debate stage.

The Guardian

If people — including counterprotesters — want to get to the speech, they will have to walk a significant distance.

The Washington Post

Once in a great while, such facilities explode — causing damages and fatalities for a significant distance all around.

The Washington Post

Work stations in industrial spaces are frequently arranged at a significant distance from each other.

Energy and Buildings

2.16am: Tomescu still leads by a significant distance -- 55-odd seconds -- and Radcliffe is still just clinging on in the chasing pack.

The Guardian - Sport

The film put a significant distance between itself and the number two picture, Harry Potter, which made $14.8m£10.3m3m) in its fourth week of release.

The Guardian - Film

Aviation experts said that both could have traveled a significant distance from the spot at which they separated from the plane.

The New York Times

"If a firearms unit is the other side of the county they could be 70 miles away so you are talking a significant distance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant distance" when you want to emphasize that the separation or difference between two points is important or meaningful. This phrase works well in both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant distance" when the separation is already obvious or the significance is unclear. Always ensure the context highlights why the distance is noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant distance" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb to describe the extent of spatial or conceptual separation. According to Ludwig, its correctness and usability are well-established.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant distance" is a versatile phrase used to highlight a noteworthy separation, whether physical or conceptual. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for various writing contexts. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic sources, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "a considerable distance" or "a substantial distance" exist, "a significant distance" emphasizes the importance of the separation. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly explains why the distance is significant to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable distance

Emphasizes the extent of the separation without necessarily highlighting its importance.

a substantial distance

Highlights the largeness of the separation in terms of size or amount.

a notable distance

Focuses on the fact that the separation is worthy of attention or easily observed.

a marked distance

Suggests that the separation is distinct and easily noticeable.

a long way

A more informal way of expressing a large separation.

a good distance

A less precise but still meaningful way of indicating a substantial separation.

a fair distance

Similar to "a good distance", implying a reasonable amount of separation.

a great distance

Emphasizes the size of the separation in a slightly more emphatic way.

a wide gap

Highlights a disparity, often used in a metaphorical sense, not always physical separation.

a vast expanse

Emphasizes the breadth and scale of the area that separates two points.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant distance" to describe physical separation, such as "The nearest hospital is "a significant distance" from the village". It can also describe conceptual differences, like "There's "a significant distance" between their opinions on the matter".

What are some alternatives to "a significant distance"?

Some alternatives include "a considerable distance", "a substantial distance", or "a notable distance", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "significant distance" or "considerable distance"?

Both "significant distance" and "considerable distance" are correct and often interchangeable. "Significant" emphasizes the importance or impact of the distance, while "considerable" simply highlights that the distance is large or noteworthy. The choice depends on the specific context.

Can "a significant distance" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "a significant distance" can be used metaphorically to describe differences in opinions, beliefs, or progress. For example, "There is "a significant distance" between their current understanding and complete mastery of the subject".