at some distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at some distance' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to speak of two or more objects, ideas, or people being far away from each other. For example, "The two villages are located at some distance from each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The camera is at some distance.

The New York Times - Magazine

At some distance we heard a siren.

The New Yorker

Ida sat at some distance from the ceremony.

The New Yorker

The optimal measurement position was located at some distance from, and close to, the heating probe.

Journal of Food Engineering

Sparse and predominantly extracellular uptake occurred at some distance from the root tip.

Environmental Pollution

"I have a lot of images of that". At some distance we heard a siren.

The New Yorker

Students are already in a environment at some distance from "the real world".

The Guardian

The Landrys, however, will keep themselves at some distance from their guests.

The New York Times

The brothers both stepped away from the vehicle, at some distance.

The Guardian

The shy girl's shoulders quivered, even though she was sitting at some distance from the man.

The New Yorker

New Christmas trees may sprout from roots at some distance from the original plant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at some distance" to create a sense of physical or conceptual separation, making sure the context clearly indicates what is being distanced from what.

Common error

Avoid using "at some distance" when you need to specify an exact measurement. This phrase is better suited for indicating a general separation rather than a precise measurement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at some distance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the spatial separation between two entities or events. As Ludwig examples show, it describes a state of being located separately.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at some distance" is a versatile adverbial phrase that effectively communicates separation without needing a precise measurement. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and can be used in written English. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. For alternative phrasings, consider options such as "a certain distance away" or "some way off", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Use this phrase to add clarity about spatial or conceptual separation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certain distance away

Specifies separation using more formal vocabulary.

a considerable distance

Implies a significant separation.

some way off

Emphasizes the idea of remoteness in a more casual tone.

somewhat separated

Indicates a moderate separation, emphasizing that the objects are not close.

relatively far

Indicates distance in relation to something else.

a short distance away

Focuses on a limited separation.

at a remove

Implies a more figurative, detached separation or a shift in focus.

slightly apart

Focuses on a small separation of objects.

off in the distance

Similar to 'in the distance' but emphasizes the remoteness or obscurity.

in the distance

Suggests something is visible but far away.

FAQs

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

Use "at some distance" to describe a separation between two points or objects. For instance, "The observer stood "at some distance" from the stage to get a better view."

What are some alternatives to "at some distance"?

Alternatives include "a certain distance away", "some way off", or "a considerable distance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "at some distance" or "some way off"?

"At some distance" is generally more formal than "some way off", which tends to be more colloquial. Choose "at some distance" in formal writing or speech.

When should I use "at a distance" versus "at some distance"?

"At a distance" implies a general separation, while "at some distance" suggests a non-specific but noticeable separation. "At a distance" is broader, whereas "at some distance" is more specific about the separation.