distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "distance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the amount of physical or metaphorical space between two different areas or things. For example, "There was a great distance between the two properties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That flight is only about half the price ($186), despite its being more than double the distance.

The New York Times - Magazine

What's the furthest distance you've ever run?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Boardman, the 1992 Olympic pursuit champion, set a distance of 56.375km in 1996, which is no longer on the official record books.

The Guardian - Sport

There is disagreement over the distance that the positive effects of clustering actually extend to, however, meaning that the generation of synergetic 'cluster effects' (as they are commonly understood) between firms in Manchester and firms in Newcastle for example could prove difficult.

The Guardian

Speaking on the BBC1's Andrew Marr Show, the shadow home secretary attempted to draw a distinction between her approach and those of the two other main hopefuls, Burnham and Kendall, who have been quicker to distance themselves from some of former leader Ed Miliband's election policies.

The Guardian

The spray, which proved a success at World Cup 2014 in Brazil during the summer, is used to mark the distance between the ball and the defensive wall, making it harder for the defending side to encroach.

The Guardian - Sport

It was Olympic distance and I was only 15.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As PriyankaV wrote: I felt that an important theme of the book was the vantage that flying provided him, both literally and metaphorically – whether it included looking down at the earth and up at the stars or the distance from people that the job entailed.

The Guardian - Books

Even the November nuclear deal in Geneva with the so-called P5+1 can be seen as enhancing Iran's regional status to the detriment of Saudi Arabia, which has threatened to distance itself from the United States over the apparent Washington-Tehran thaw.

The Guardian

His first touch took him inside Wasilewski, who was sent sliding off into the distance, and then he slid a shot with his right foot past Tyton and into the bottom-right corner from 12 yards out.

The Guardian - Sport

You can find a place to stay within easy walking distance of every monument, plaza and playa on the map without forking out too much.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "distance", be specific about the units of measurement (e.g., miles, kilometers, light-years) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "distance" when you mean "distant", which is an adjective describing something that is far away. "Distance" is a noun referring to the amount of space between two points.

Linguistic Context

The word "distance" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the amount of space between two points or objects. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Sport

19%

Lifestyle

14%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Books

6%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "distance" is a versatile noun used to describe the amount of space between two points, physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts. As Ludwig's examples show, it appears commonly in news, sports, and lifestyle content, making it a vital term for clear and accurate communication. Remember to be precise with units of measurement and avoid confusion with the adjective "distant" when employing the word "distance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separation

Replaces "distance" with a focus on the act of being apart.

remoteness

Highlights the state of being far away or isolated.

space between

Emphasizes the physical area separating two points.

interval

Highlights the measured gap between two points in time or space.

length

Specifically refers to the measurement of something from end to end.

range

Focuses on the extent or scope covered.

gap

Highlights a break or space between two things.

reach

Emphasizes the ability to access something from a particular point.

extent

Focuses on the degree or measure of something.

proximity

Indicates nearness rather than remoteness.

FAQs

How can I use "distance" in a sentence?

You can use "distance" to refer to the amount of space between two points, as in "The "distance between" the cities is 200 miles."

What's a metaphorical use of "distance"?

Metaphorically, "distance" can refer to a lack of connection or understanding, such as "There's a growing "distance between" their views."

What can I say instead of "at a distance"?

Alternatives to "at a distance" include "from afar", "remotely", or "from a distance". For example, "He watched the event "from afar"".

Is it correct to say "a long distance away"?

Yes, "a long distance away" is grammatically correct and commonly used. You can also simply say "far away" or "a great distance".