a stone's throw

USAGE SUMMARY

"a stone's throw" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is very close - so close that you could throw a stone and reach it. For example, "The farmer's market is only a stone's throw away from my house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a stone's throw, practically our galactic backyard.

The New York Times

It's a stone's throw from Goldenwest and the proposed parking lot.

Los Angeles Times

The fact that it's a stone's throw from the ocean isn't too bad either, Fleischman said.

Los Angeles Times

It's also a stone's throw from the creative hub of the city — the once slummy, now hip Shoreditch.

The New York Times

Plus, it's just a stone's throw from arm-in-arm walks along the waterfront promenade.

Forbes

It's a bit more than a stone's throw from Harvard Yard.

TechCrunch

Just a stone's throw away from the A96 near Inverurie, there's a place called Pitscurry.

BBC

It's easy to get lost in nature just a stone's throw away from the city.

HuffPost

The Tweed Courthouse is a stone's throw away.

The New Yorker

Only a stone's throw away is Tehran's famous Grand Bazaar.

The Guardian - Travel

But mother nature is always a stone's throw away.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stone's throw" to vividly illustrate that something is very close and easily accessible. This idiom adds color and relatability to your writing, helping readers quickly grasp the proximity you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "a stone's throw" in highly formal or technical contexts where precise measurements are required. While effective in descriptive writing, it lacks the specificity needed in scientific or legal documents.

How to use

Learn how to use "a stone's throw" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stone's throw" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. Ludwig AI suggests that it describes the proximity of one location to another, indicating that they are very close.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stone's throw" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe something that is very close or nearby. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as an adverbial phrase, often used to emphasize the convenience and accessibility of a location. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, with additional usage in academic settings. While the phrase has neutral register, it can add colour to your writing and should be avoided in technical or formal settings. Alternatives include "very near" or "a short distance away" for more formal contexts. Ludwig's analysis confirms that this phrase is a valuable addition to your vocabulary for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short distance away

Neutral and straightforward description of nearness, lacking any figurative language.

close by

Indicates a location that is not far away; less emphatic than the original phrase.

very near

Direct and simple way to express proximity, lacking the figurative element of the original phrase.

just around the corner

Suggests the place is easily accessible, often within a short walking distance; more specific in its implication of direction.

within easy reach

Emphasizes the ease of getting to the location, highlighting convenience.

in close proximity

More formal and technical way to describe nearness, suitable for professional contexts.

practically next door

Suggests extreme closeness, implying a neighboring location.

a hop, skip, and a jump away

Playful and informal expression for a short distance; suitable for casual conversation.

within spitting distance

Informal and somewhat vulgar way to describe something that is extremely close.

in the vicinity

Indicates the general area without specifying the exact distance; more vague than the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "a stone's throw" in a sentence?

You can use "a stone's throw" to describe something that is very close or nearby. For example, "The new cafe is just "a stone's throw" from the office, making it perfect for a quick lunch break."

What's a more formal alternative to "a stone's throw"?

While "a stone's throw" is widely understood, more formal alternatives include "in close proximity" or "a short distance away". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is "a stone's throw away" redundant?

While "a stone's throw" already implies distance, adding "away" isn't strictly redundant and can enhance clarity. Both "a stone's throw" and "a stone's throw away" are acceptable, with the latter possibly emphasizing the separation slightly more.

Which is more common, "a stone's throw" or "a stone's cast"?

"A stone's throw" is significantly more common than "a stone's cast". Both phrases mean nearly the same thing—a short distance—but ""a stone's throw"" is the idiom most people use and recognize.