at a remove

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a remove" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a degree of separation or distance, either physical or metaphorical, from a situation or person. Example: "She viewed the events of the meeting at a remove, preferring to observe rather than participate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Prison wardens necessarily live at a remove from society.

The New York Times - Books

What pride he felt was at a remove.

The New York Times

None of this can really be experienced at a remove.

The New York Times - Arts

The camera is kept at a remove, but a microphone is near.

The New York Times - Arts

It is very quiet - at a remove from London and his recording studios.

The Guardian - Books

They were the same person, depicted at a remove of decades.

The New Yorker

Scenes like this, directed at a remove, give this film a random, almost post-apocalyptic feel.

The New York Times

At a remove from the city, they seized the freedom to experiment.

The Guardian

My disinterest in this type of revenge doesn't come at a remove.

The Guardian - Opinion

Harry, on his own little protrusion of sofa to the right, exists at a remove.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Entertainment in the format is not held literally or in any other way--at a remove.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a remove" to indicate a deliberate or necessary separation, either physical or emotional. For instance, describe how an artist paints from a photograph, operating "at a remove", to achieve a unique perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "at a remove" when you intend to describe someone's uncaring attitude. While the phrase implies distance, it doesn't necessarily mean someone is indifferent. Instead, specify their feelings directly: "He observed the situation with indifference."

Linguistic Context

At a remove functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced, indicating a sense of distance or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a remove" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate distance or separation, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives such as "at a distance" or "removed from" exist, "at a remove" provides a nuanced way to express detachment. Remember to avoid using it interchangeably with a lack of empathy, ensuring that your writing accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a distance

Focuses on physical or emotional separation.

from afar

Emphasizes observing from a considerable distance.

removed from

Highlights the state of being separated or detached.

detached from

Implies a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

separate from

Stresses the distinctness or disconnection between entities.

aloof from

Suggests a deliberate distancing, often implying superiority.

at arm's length

Indicates maintaining a safe distance, either physically or emotionally.

disengaged from

Highlights a lack of participation or involvement.

isolated from

Emphasizes the state of being alone or apart from others.

set apart from

Highlights being different or distinct from others.

FAQs

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

Use "at a remove" to indicate a state of separation or distance, either physical or emotional. For example: "The journalist covered the conflict "at a remove", reporting from a neighboring country."

What are some alternatives to saying "at a remove"?

You can use alternatives like "at a distance", "from afar", or "removed from" depending on the context.

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

No, the correct and idiomatic expression is "at a remove". "In a remove" is not a recognized or commonly used phrase in English.

What does it mean to view something "at a remove"?

To view something "at a remove" means to observe it from a distance, either physically or emotionally. It implies a degree of detachment or separation from the subject being observed.