at a close separation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a close separation" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts discussing distances or relationships that are near each other but not touching. Example: "The two buildings were positioned at a close separation, allowing for a narrow alleyway between them."

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thus, π π interactions would require two POM units at a close separation, which is electrostatically unfavorable.

Chemistry - A European Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Finally, the Stroop effect was numerically larger when the close keys were pressed by sticks held at the far separation than when the far keys were pressed by sticks held at the close separation, implicating distance between the keys rather than the hands as the main factor.

Acta Psychologica

(2) The commonly used diffusion model in optical imaging breaks down, in general, for probing the subsurface and computational expensive methods have to be used to model backscattering light at a close source-detector separation [ 9]. (3) The unknown surface properties of the biological sample such as superficial structure and roughness impact the spatial distribution of the backscattering light.

Biomedical Optics Express

The work on MAF-X7 showed one CO2 molecule within the framework that had a contact between the central carbon of the CO2 and the triazolate 4-nitrogen [3.26 (4) Å] at a separation close to the sum of their van der Waals radii.

Acta Crystallographica Section B: Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials

When the two apertures are opened together and are at their closest separation, two-beam interference fringes are observed that are formed by the division of the incident wave front by the two apertures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This shows that the optimal performance of this source-detector pair is at the closest separation.

Biomedical Optics Express

Speak at a close distance.

WikiHow

Whilst single-monolayer studies converge properties by increasingly isolating the layers[11, 14, 16], at closer separations, it is impossible to divorce specific interactions between two layers from those between all of their (infinite) periodic replications.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In the present symmetric case, the two avidin-bearing surfaces experience a weak repulsion, indicating a (weak) net positive charge on each avidin-coated mica surface, until a "hard wall" is reached at the closest surface separation D = 8.5 ± 0.4 nm, corresponding to an avidin monolayer on each mica surface.

Biomacromolecules

Stars A and C form a close binary with a projected separation of 73 AU.

Wikipedia

In addition, we expected that this distractor interference effect would be largest if the distractor was presented near the target, due to increased competitive interactions between target and distractor at close spatial separations (Mathôt, Hickey, & Theeuwes, 2010; Mounts, 2000).

Behavior Research Methods

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "in close proximity" or "nearby" for clearer and more common phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "at a close separation" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "nearby" or "close by" would suffice, as the original phrasing can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a close separation" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate the spatial relationship between two entities. It describes the state of being near each other, but with some measurable distance. As Ludwig AI suggests, simpler alternatives may be preferred.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a close separation" describes a spatial relationship indicating nearness between two entities. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that it is not the most common or natural phrasing. Synonyms such as "in close proximity" or "nearby" are generally preferred for clarity and fluency. The phrase tends to appear in formal and scientific contexts where precision is valued. Ultimately, while understandable, writers should consider more common alternatives to avoid awkwardness. According to Ludwig, simpler alternatives are more suitable for common writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in close proximity

Replaces the preposition "at" with "in" and uses the noun phrase "close proximity" instead of "close separation".

within a short distance

Uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate a small separation.

nearby distance

Uses the adjective "nearby" to describe the distance, implying a short separation.

closely spaced

Focuses on the arrangement of objects being near each other.

in immediate vicinity

A more formal way of saying "nearby" or "close by".

short range

Emphasizes the limited extent of the separation.

at a short remove

Uses "remove" to mean a slight separation or distance.

close quarters

Implies a confined space or area where things are close together.

a stone's throw away

An idiomatic expression meaning very near or close.

just around the corner

Implies a very short and easily traversable distance.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "at a close separation"?

You can use alternatives such as "in close proximity", "nearby", or "within a short distance" depending on the context.

Is "at a close separation" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "at a close separation" is less common and can sound awkward. Simpler phrases are generally preferred.

How can I use "at a close separation" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe objects or entities that are positioned near each other but not touching, for example: "The sensors were placed "at a close separation" to accurately measure the field gradient."

What's the difference between "at a close separation" and "at a short distance"?

"At a short distance" is a more common and natural-sounding alternative to "at a close separation". They both convey the idea of nearness, but the former is more widely accepted.