an appropriate distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an appropriate distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the suitable amount of space or separation needed in various contexts, such as physical distance, social interactions, or emotional boundaries. Example: "During the pandemic, it was essential to maintain an appropriate distance from others to ensure everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While China remains a domestically repressive regime, Britain should maintain an appropriate distance.

Independent

"But in a news report you have to keep an appropriate distance.

Independent

It demonstrated an appropriate distance between iron-based and acid sites is critical for achieving excellent performance.

Nature

Learning an appropriate distance metric is a critical problem in pattern recognition.

Pattern Recognition

Learning an appropriate distance metric is a crucial problem in pattern recognition.

Pattern Recognition

Love from an appropriate distance, e-Tony xx [email protected] Email e-Tony with your suggestions for an effective election campaign and help him win our online poll.

The Guardian

Yet when viewed from an appropriate distance, and with a high-quality signal (e.g., from a videodisk player or a Super-VHS cassette recorder), the picture is satisfactory.

The New York Times - Arts

We figured this would be the best way to hold the LED's and optical sensor at an appropriate distance from the mirror surface.

Cornell University

Similarly, if we want credit-rating agencies to be objective, they need to keep an appropriate distance from the issuers of the securities they assess.

The New York Times

Multivalency of binding requires a specific design of the probes; several copies of saccharide should be attached to a polymer carrier at an appropriate distance.

Lectins Analytical Technologies

None of the 19 industrial appliances showed EMI with any CIDs, provided that an appropriate distance from the appliances was maintained.

Journal of Arrhythmia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, quantify "an appropriate distance" whenever possible (e.g., "maintain a distance of at least six feet").

Common error

Avoid using "an appropriate distance" without specifying what makes the distance appropriate. This phrase can be vague without context. Instead, provide specific measurements or clarify the purpose of the distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an appropriate distance" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a distance that is suitable or fitting for a particular purpose or context. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an appropriate distance" is a versatile phrase used to describe a suitable separation in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its meaning is generally clear, but adding context to specify why a distance is appropriate is crucial for clarity. Common contexts include science, news, and general informational writing. While "an appropriate distance" is a very common and handy phrase, bear in mind you can use alternatives such as "a suitable distance" or "an adequate distance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a suitable distance

Replaces "appropriate" with "suitable", indicating a distance that is well-suited or fitting for a particular purpose or situation.

an adequate distance

Substitutes "appropriate" with "adequate", suggesting a distance that is sufficient or satisfactory but not necessarily ideal.

a proper distance

Uses "proper" instead of "appropriate", implying a distance that adheres to standards or conventions of correctness.

a reasonable distance

Replaces "appropriate" with "reasonable", suggesting a distance that is fair and justifiable in the given circumstances.

a comfortable distance

Emphasizes the sense of ease and lack of discomfort associated with the distance.

an optimal separation

Focuses on the idea of achieving the best possible spacing for a specific outcome or purpose.

a safe distance

Highlights the aspect of safety and security associated with the distance.

a strategic distance

Implies that the distance is chosen deliberately to achieve a particular advantage or goal.

a measured separation

Indicates a deliberate and careful establishment of space between objects or individuals.

a defined space

Uses a noun phrase to describe the result of an appropriate distance; a region that is separated and has clear boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "an appropriate distance" in a sentence?

You can use "an appropriate distance" to describe a separation that is suitable for a specific purpose or situation. For example, "Maintain "a safe distance" during the experiment" or "View the artwork from an appropriate distance to appreciate its details".

What is another way to say "an appropriate distance"?

Alternatives to "an appropriate distance" include "a suitable distance", "an adequate distance", or "a proper distance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What factors determine what is "an appropriate distance"?

The determination of "an appropriate distance" depends on the context. Factors can include safety, comfort, effectiveness, or regulatory guidelines. For example, social distancing guidelines define an appropriate distance to minimize the spread of disease.

Is it better to be more specific than saying "an appropriate distance"?

In many cases, yes. While "an appropriate distance" is grammatically correct, providing a specific measurement (e.g., "six feet") or clarifying the purpose of the distance (e.g., "a safe viewing distance") often improves clarity and reduces ambiguity.