distance in time

USAGE SUMMARY

"distance in time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to two things that are far apart in time or duration. For example, "The distance in time between the invention of the telephone and the launch of the first satellite was almost a century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Books

"That is when the art becomes stronger -- distance in time, geography and maybe generation distance".

The New York Times - Books

Despite the distance in time and space, they share important similarities.

Harvard University

She feels the rush of intimacy as the distance in time collapses.

The New York Times

Ray was six or seven years older than I, yet that distance in time mostly vanished when we were together.

The New Yorker

I think writing history, as opposed to daily journalism, requires a certain distance in time and dispassionate reflection.

The New York Times

Then decoding — an onerous task at this distance in time, like explaining moldy jokes — must take over.

The New Yorker

Monstrous dinosaurs may captivate first graders, who thrill at being scared at a safe distance in time.

The New York Times - Science

Johnson said the explanation was "something which, I'm afraid, I simply don't have, at this distance in time".

The Guardian

REBECCA MEAD: I think GE was so remarkably intelligent, and the intelligence shines through despite the distance in time.

The New Yorker

It is easy, even across a vast distance in time, to conjure up a teen-ager's exquisite embarrassment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distance in time" to emphasize how the passage of time affects our understanding or perception of events, people, or objects. It is particularly useful when discussing historical perspectives or the evaluation of past decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "distance in time" when referring to physical distance. While both involve the concept of separation, "distance in time" specifically relates to temporal separation, not spatial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distance in time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It quantifies the temporal separation between two events or periods, as shown in Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distance in time" is a correct and versatile noun phrase that describes temporal separation between events. It is used in various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase. When using it, make sure that you are referring to temporal rather than physical distance. Alternatives like "lapse of time" or "temporal separation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lapse of time

Focuses on the duration that has passed, rather than the separation between two points.

temporal separation

Emphasizes the gap between two points in time, using more formal language.

historical remove

Highlights the detachment created by viewing events from a past era.

passage of years

Focuses on the continuous progression of time, rather than a specific gap.

years apart

A simpler and more direct way to state that events occurred in different years.

time elapsed

Highlights the amount of time that has passed, often in a scientific or technical context.

chronological gap

Emphasizes a missing period or discontinuity in a timeline.

retrospective view

Focuses on looking back at events from a later point in time.

hindsight perspective

Highlights the ability to understand events more clearly after they have occurred.

time's effect

Focuses on the changes or impact caused by the passing of time.

FAQs

How does the "distance in time" affect historical analysis?

The "distance in time" from an event can influence how we interpret it. Greater temporal distance may provide more comprehensive data and varied perspectives, but can also introduce biases due to evolving societal norms or incomplete records. Therefore, historians must acknowledge the lens through which they view the past.

What are some alternatives to using "distance in time" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "lapse of time", "temporal separation", or "historical remove".

How can the "distance in time" impact personal memory?

The "distance in time" since an event occurred can significantly affect the accuracy and clarity of personal memories. Over time, memories can fade, become distorted, or be influenced by subsequent experiences and information. This is why eyewitness testimony is often considered less reliable than forensic evidence.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "distance in time"?

The phrase "distance in time" is particularly suitable when discussing historical perspectives, the effects of aging, or the analysis of past events where the temporal gap influences understanding or perception. It's also common in scientific contexts, particularly when discussing evolutionary biology.