at this distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at this distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the proximity of two things or people. For example: "At this distance, I can't tell what color his shirt is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sounds OK to me at this distance.

The Guardian

"My hands are tied at this distance".

The New York Times

Even at this distance, some themes are still familiar.

The Guardian

At this distance we got a good view.

The New York Times - Travel

Legend, at this distance, leaves a few things out, though.

The Guardian

At this distance, fears and passions are speculative.

The Guardian - Books

Even at this distance the violence is shocking.

The Economist

John Sedgwick (1813-1864) "They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance".

The Guardian

My notes on our sessions are, at this distance in time, enigmatic.

The Guardian - Books

The connection between murderous children and political change is not, at this distance, immediately apparent.

The Guardian - Books

We probably wouldn't ask Schwarzenegger - aka Conan the Barbarian - that, even at this distance.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at this distance" to create a sense of detachment or objectivity when describing events or observations. It suggests a perspective influenced by physical or temporal separation.

Common error

Avoid using "at this distance" when you simply mean "here" or "nearby". The phrase implies that the distance is relevant to the observation or conclusion being made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at this distance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the location or perspective from which an action or observation is made. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at this distance" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate spatial or temporal separation and influence on perception or interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Found predominantly in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various forms of writing. Related phrases, such as "from this vantage point" and "given the separation", offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings. When using "at this distance", ensure the separation is relevant to the observation and avoid misusing it as a simple substitute for "here" or "nearby".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from this vantage point

Emphasizes a specific viewpoint or position influencing observation.

at this range

Implies a specific scope or extent of distance.

at this remove

Uses "remove" to highlight the act of distancing or separating.

with this perspective

Emphasizes the impact of physical distance on understanding or interpretation.

given the separation

Focuses on the state of being separated or the space between.

at such a separation

Emphasizes the degree or kind of distancing that exists

with this much space between

Specifically quantifies the distance involved.

considering the gap

Highlights a break or interval in space or time.

so far away

Highlights the significant separation between two points.

from here

A shorter, more direct way to indicate the speaker's location as a reference.

FAQs

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

You can use "at this distance" to describe the visibility or audibility of something, or to indicate a sense of detachment from an event. For example, "At this distance, the city looks peaceful" or "Even "at this distance in time", the effects are still felt".

What's a good alternative to "at this distance"?

Alternatives include "from this vantage point", "from here", or "given the separation", depending on the specific context. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of separation or perspective.

Is it better to say "at this distance" or "from this distance"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "at this distance" is generally more common. "From this distance" can sometimes imply a measurement, while "at this distance" often refers to perception or understanding.

Can "at this distance" refer to time as well as physical space?

Yes, "at this distance" can refer to temporal distance, meaning a point in the past from the present. For instance, "At this distance in time, the events seem surreal".