at a greater distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a greater distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location or position that is farther away from a reference point. Example: "The stars appear brighter when viewed at a greater distance from the city lights."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The public will receive a poorer service at a greater distance from their homes and communities.

The Guardian - Money

At a greater distance he is more of a historical figure, less of a living presence.

The New York Times - Arts

The sound is also a lot colder, and the concert recording places the orchestra at a greater distance, not inappropriately.

The New York Times

Even so, however, it will be compelled to operate its naval and air forces further away from the Chinese mainland and fight at a greater distance.

The New York Times

Their measurements showed that, indeed, the Apurimac begins at a greater distance from the Amazon's mouth than any of the others.

The New York Times - Science

The researchers found that motorists tended to follow so-called light trucks -- sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and minivans -- at a greater distance than cars.

The New York Times

The budget models will also come with more powerful zoom lenses that capture events at a greater distance and with a higher resolution than phones.

The Guardian - Arts

(Audience members seated at a greater distance from the stage — I was in Row H — may find it easier to take in both at the same time).

The New York Times

Abilities like breathing underwater and gathering collectables at a greater distance aren't necessary to complete the game, but they do reward players who've taken out a lot of enemies by making things easier for them.

The Guardian - Tech

The lump of ice and rock circles the sun at a greater distance than any known object, and never gets closer than 12bn kilometres – 80 times the distance from Earth to the sun.

The Guardian

For sound reception at a greater distance from the source, an aquatic animal must create body parts that are moved in different ways during the passage of sound waves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial relationships, ensure the reference point is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "at a greater distance from the city center" rather than simply "at a greater distance".

Common error

Avoid using "at a greater distance" when a simpler phrase like "farther away" or "more distant" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a greater distance" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the location or position of something relative to a reference point. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a greater distance" serves as a versatile tool for indicating spatial separation across various domains. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While effective, writers should consider simpler alternatives like "farther away" for improved clarity in less formal settings. Recognizing the potential for overuse and focusing on clear reference points will ensure effective communication. Therefore, mastering the nuances of this expression enhances writing precision and adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

farther away

This alternative is a more concise and direct way to express the same idea of being more distant.

at a further remove

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the separation or detachment.

more remotely located

This alternative emphasizes the remote nature of the location.

at a more extended range

This alternative is more suitable when referring to scope or reach.

at a longer range

This phrase is simpler than the query, and it can be used to refer to the distance an object can travel.

at a more considerable distance

This alternative suggests that the distance is significant or noteworthy.

at an increased separation

This option highlights the act of moving apart and is often used when discussing relationships or abstract concepts.

more distantly situated

This alternative highlights the position of something away from a specific place.

at a more elevated distance

This alternative can be employed to indicate a separation, emphasizing both the altitude and the difference.

at a wider berth

This option highlights the presence of a larger space and is often used to convey the act of giving something a larger clearing.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a greater distance" to describe something that is farther away from a specific point. For example: "The signal was weaker "at a greater distance" from the transmitter."

What are some alternatives to "at a greater distance"?

Some alternatives include "farther away", "more remotely located", or "at a further remove", depending on the specific context.

Is it more correct to say "at a greater distance" or "from a greater distance"?

Both "at a greater distance" and "from a greater distance" are grammatically correct, but "at a greater distance" is more common when describing a location or position, while "from a greater distance" is used when describing the perspective or source of something.

What is the difference between "at a greater distance" and "at a larger distance"?

While similar, "at a greater distance" is generally preferred when expressing a relative difference in separation, whereas "at a larger distance" is more suitable if emphasizing the extent of actual measured distance.