at a closer spacing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a closer spacing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the arrangement or distance between objects, elements, or text, indicating that they are positioned nearer to each other. Example: "The text should be formatted at a closer spacing to improve readability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Additional MT measurements at a closer spacing are required to image the subsurface structures surrounding the linear clusters of earthquake swarms beneath Hakone volcano.

Earth, Planets and Space

New orchards in Australia are planted at a closer spacing of 6 m x 8 m or 4 m x 6 m or 7 m x 3 m, equivalent to 200 to 600 trees per hectare (Menzel et al., 2000).

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In making plantations, very vigorous and healthy plants must be used and planting should be at a sufficiently close spacing so that, after an attack, an adequate number of plants still survive.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The results of these experimental tests indicate that: (1) reverse cyclic loading and axial pre-compression had little effect on wall load deflection response; (2) FRP strip spacing and reinforcement ratio strongly influenced wall response; and (3) for a constant reinforcement ratio, smaller strips at closer spacing gave better wall strength and displacement response.

Construction and Building Materials

Trees grown at wider spacing generally have lower wood density compared with those grown at closer spacing (Cown [1974]) while differences have also been observed in other properties such as modulus of elasticity and microfibril angle (Lasserre et al. [2009]; Watt et al. [2011]).

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Pod damage by M. vitrata was higher on IT86D-715 at closer spacing.

Crop Protection

Richer farmers have adopted irrigated plantations on commercial scale at closer spacing.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Due to heavy loads and the non-availability of suitable construction sites, engineers are often required to place footings at close spacing.

Geotextiles and Geomembranes

As its name indicates, the bunds follow the contour, at close spacing, and by provision of small earth ties the system is divided into individual microcatchments.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Supermassive black holes are the most extreme objects predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of gravity — where, according to Doeleman, "gravity completely goes haywire and crushes an enormous mass into an incredibly close space". At the edge of a black hole, the gravitational force is so strong that it pulls in everything from its surroundings.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

After a pregnant Sheryl Sandberg couldn't find a close parking space at Google HQ, the company started assigning priority parking spaces for expectant mothers.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental designs or technical specifications, use "at a closer spacing" to clearly indicate a reduction in the distance between elements for improved precision or effect.

Common error

Don't confuse "at a closer spacing" with terms that describe alignment or orientation; ensure the phrase accurately reflects a reduction in distance, not just a change in arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a closer spacing" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing information about the spatial arrangement or distance between objects or elements. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a closer spacing" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase primarily used to specify reduced distances between elements in technical or scientific contexts. As noted by Ludwig, it is considered correct. While less frequent in general usage, it is particularly suitable for detailed descriptions in fields like agriculture, engineering, and physics where precise spatial arrangements are critical. Related phrases, such as "more tightly spaced" or "with reduced intervals", can offer alternative ways to express similar concepts while maintaining clarity. To ensure effective communication, use "at a closer spacing" to accurately convey reduced distance, avoiding potential ambiguity with terms that only describe alignment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more tightly spaced

Emphasizes the compactness of the arrangement.

with decreased separation

Emphasizes the reduction in the space between distinct objects.

more narrowly spaced

Highlights the small width of the gap.

with reduced intervals

Focuses on the reduction of the space between intervals.

with less distance between

Focuses on the reduction of space that separates objects.

at shorter intervals

Focuses on the temporal aspect of spacing, implying more frequent occurrences.

more compactly arranged

Implies that items are organized in a tighter manner.

in denser arrangements

Highlights an increase in density due to reduced spacing.

with diminished gaps

Focuses on the decrease in the size of the open areas or gaps.

in closer proximity

Highlights the closeness or nearness in space.

FAQs

How can I use "at a closer spacing" in a sentence?

Use "at a closer spacing" to describe arrangements where the distance between elements is intentionally reduced, such as "The plants were arranged at a closer spacing to maximize yield".

What are some alternatives to "at a closer spacing"?

You can use alternatives like "more tightly spaced", "with reduced intervals", or "in denser arrangements" depending on the context.

In what contexts is "at a closer spacing" most appropriate?

"At a closer spacing" is most appropriate in technical or scientific contexts when describing spatial arrangements, such as in agriculture, engineering, or physics.

How does "at a closer spacing" differ from "at a smaller distance"?

"At a closer spacing" often implies a deliberate arrangement or pattern, whereas "at a smaller distance" simply indicates a shorter separation. Spacing suggests intent or design.