at a long range

USAGE SUMMARY

"at a long range" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a physical distance between two objects, people, places, or ideas. For example: "The two countries had been at war for years, but now had to work together to solve a problem at a long range."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Often, a machine will use a video camera to detect objects at a long range.

MIT Technology Review

Furthermore, the SCS allows for wireless communication with high power efficiency at a long range (up to 2 m).

Journal of Visual Communication and Image Representation

Those components used together in a weapon suggest a desire to shoot large amounts of automatic-like fire into masses of people without much concern for accuracy, as the recoil from simulated automatic fire would make it difficult to hit specific targets at a long range.

The Washington Post

In this configuration and at a long range the acoustic propagation can be described by normal mode theory.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

This meant it had less armour than a battleship, particularly horizontal armour against plunging fire - shells coming down from on high at a long range.

BBC

NCR's Teradata data warehousing division — Putting together the flow of goods with the flow of information will be a major challenge for any company doing business at a long range.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Similarly, while it may not be easily possible to eliminate poverty in America, as the Johnson Administration once thought could be done, and al though the income approach that Mr. Nixon apparently has embraced is at best a long range project, the elimination of hunger, even of most mal nutrition, is by no means be yond economic and technologi cal feasibility.

The New York Times

Mr Freeston said: "At Magicseaweed we use a long range numeric modelling system to predict and track these storms and the swells and surf they create.

BBC

The estimated steering angle along with the current input was used to predict the steering angle at various prediction horizons via a long range prediction method.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Despite clear evidence of sticker sticker interactions by FTIR, none of the materials self-assemble at 20 °C into structures with a long range order detectable by SAXS.

Polymer

Ireland escaped this time but Given, so unusually uncertain at Euro 2012, quickly spilled a long range Cassano strike and the Azzurri seized on the error.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the capabilities of equipment or systems (like weapons or sensors), use "at a long range" to specify their effective operational distance. For instance: "This radar system can detect objects at a long range."

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates whether "at a long range" refers to physical distance, temporal scope, or figurative reach. Without proper context, the phrase can be vague. State explicitly what the 'range' refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a long range" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the distance at which an action occurs or a condition exists. Ludwig examples show it describing sensing capabilities, weapon effectiveness, and signal propagation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

50%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a long range" serves to define spatial scope and is primarily used across news, scientific, and general contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and its meaning relates to reach or extent from a considerable distance. When incorporating "at a long range" in your writing, consider whether you refer to a literal physical distance, a more figurative reach, or temporal scope, and ensure that you provide enough context for your reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a far distance

Similar structure but replace 'long' with 'far'.

over a considerable distance

Replaces "range" with "distance" and uses "considerable" to emphasize the extent.

at an extended distance

Substitutes "long" with "extended" while retaining the core meaning of distance.

over long distances

Replaces the article "a" with plural form, changing the emphasis slightly.

from a distant location

Focuses on the origin point being far away.

from a distance

Shortened version of the original, implying a non-specific long range.

across a significant span

Emphasizes the spatial extent covered.

over an extensive area

Highlights the area covered rather than a linear distance.

within a broad scope

Shifts from physical distance to a more abstract sense of reach or influence.

from afar

A more concise, literary way to indicate distance.

FAQs

How can I use "at a long range" in a sentence?

You can use "at a long range" to describe the distance over which something is effective or visible. For example: "The sniper was able to hit the target "at a long range"".

What are some alternatives to "at a long range"?

Some alternatives include "over a considerable distance", "from a distant location", or "across a significant span", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in a long range" instead of "at a long range"?

While "in a long range" might be understood, "at a long range" is the more standard and grammatically correct prepositional phrase to use when describing distance or scope.

When should I use "at a long range" versus "over a long distance"?

"At a long range" often refers to the capability of something to operate effectively from afar, while "over a long distance" typically emphasizes the extent of the physical separation. For example: "The missile can strike targets "at a long range"" versus "The signal traveled "over a long distance"".