at a distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a distance" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe the physical space between two or more people or objects. For example, "The two lovers could only stare at each other from a distance."

✓ Grammatically correct

General Writing

News & Media

Academic Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was at a distance".

The New York Times - Health

Lionel goes to sit at a distance.

The New York Times

It's joint custody — at a distance.

The New York Times

Sedona stood at a distance, observing.

The New Yorker

"So I put everybody at a distance".

The New York Times - Sports

Near to or at a distance?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Killing at a distance.

The New York Times

The result: seismic action at a distance.

The Washington Post

keeps at a distance an encroacher.

Yale University

They cannot be held at a distance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Primm stood at a distance, listening silently.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a distance" to describe not only physical separation but also emotional or metaphorical detachment. For example, "He observed the situation at a distance, unwilling to get involved."

Common error

Avoid using "at a distance" when you mean "in the distance." "At a distance" implies a deliberate act of keeping separate or observing from afar, while "in the distance" refers to something that is simply far away. For example, say "I saw the mountains in the distance," not "at a distance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a distance" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed or a state is maintained. It specifies the manner or condition under which something occurs, indicating separation either physically or emotionally, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

General Writing

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "at a distance" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe physical separation, emotional detachment, or observation from afar. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves as an adverbial modifier, adding detail about how an action is performed or a state is maintained. While frequently found in news and media, as well as academic writing, it maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for a wide range of contexts. Avoid confusing "at a distance" with similar phrases like "in the distance", and consider alternative phrasing such as "from afar" or "remotely" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from a distance

Slightly more formal than "at a distance" with a minor emphasis change.

from afar

This alternative adds emphasis to the concept of observing or interacting from a considerable distance.

afar

This alternative is shorter and more literary, implying a greater sense of remoteness.

remotely

This alternative emphasizes the idea of something being situated far away or not closely connected.

at a remove

This alternative emphasizes a sense of detachment or being set apart from something.

at arm's length

This alternative suggests keeping something or someone emotionally or physically separate to avoid intimacy or involvement.

distantly

This alternative focuses on the manner in which something is done, implying a lack of closeness or warmth.

in the distance

This alternative highlights the physical separation and often implies something is far away but still visible or audible.

keeping apart

This alternative suggests a deliberate action to maintain separation.

separated by space

This alternative explicitly states the physical separation between entities.

FAQs

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

"At a distance" can describe physical separation, as in "The island was visible "in the distance"", or emotional detachment, as in "He kept his emotions "at arm's length"".

What's the difference between "at a distance" and "from a distance"?

While similar, "at a distance" often implies a more deliberate or maintained separation, whereas "from a distance" may simply indicate the location of an observation. The distinction is subtle and often context-dependent.

Is it correct to use "at a distance" to describe emotional detachment?

Yes, "at a distance" is often used metaphorically to describe emotional detachment or a lack of involvement. For example, "She viewed her family's drama "at a remove"".

What are some alternatives to "at a distance" for formal writing?

In formal writing, you could use alternatives like "remotely", "from afar", or "distantly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.