distant enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distant enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sufficient distance in space, time, or emotional context. Example: "The stars appeared distant enough that they seemed to twinkle in the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She looks at me. "Distant enough".

The New Yorker

This keeps it distant enough from reality that it becomes cathartic rather than exploitative.

The New York Times - Arts

It's probably in a distant enough future that I shouldn't start fantasizing about it now.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And in any case they are distant enough so that the past all seems terrific".

The New York Times - Style

"I'm distant enough from it now to say it's a bloody good book," he grins.

The Guardian

But the vote is distant enough, and the current protests so apparently spontaneous, that predictions are difficult and uncertain.

The New York Times

Restaurants and shops could be banned or placed in airport areas distant enough to be regarded as low risk.

The New York Times

The world he inhabited is distant enough from our own for his exploits to be deemed entertaining.

The Guardian - Travel

Spark stays distant enough from her characters for the predatoriness of their closest relationships to be seen.

The Guardian - Books

In six hundred million years, it will be distant enough that it will no longer fully occlude the sun.

The New Yorker

In retrospect, Dr. Gunn said, "it's just that we had to find objects distant enough to see it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distant enough" to indicate a separation in space, time, or emotional connection that meets a specific requirement or provides a desired effect, as in "The microphone was placed "distant enough" to avoid picking up background noise."

Common error

Avoid using "distant enough" when describing abstract concepts that require precise language; instead, opt for terms like "sufficiently independent" or "adequately distinct" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distant enough" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a sufficient degree of separation in space, time, or abstract concepts. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distant enough" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express a sufficient degree of separation, whether physical, temporal, or emotional. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what the separation is relative to, and consider alternatives like "sufficiently remote" or "adequately separated" for nuanced meanings. Being mindful of these usage patterns helps ensure clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently far

A more direct synonym, simply replacing "distant" with "far".

sufficiently remote

Emphasizes the degree of remoteness needed to meet a requirement.

adequately separated

Focuses on the act of separation and whether it's been done well enough.

far removed

Suggests a greater degree of separation, often implying a difference in kind.

at a safe distance

Implies a need for safety or security related to the distance.

comfortably away

Suggests a distance that provides a sense of ease or security.

out of reach

Emphasizes the inability to access or contact something due to distance.

beyond the scope

Indicates that something is outside the boundaries or limits of a particular area or topic.

a good ways off

An informal way to say something is a significant distance away.

at arm's length

Suggests maintaining a guarded or cautious relationship, metaphorical distance.

FAQs

How can I use "distant enough" in a sentence?

Use "distant enough" to indicate a sufficient separation, such as, "The explosion was "distant enough" not to cause damage" or "She remained "distant enough" to avoid emotional involvement".

What are some alternatives to "distant enough"?

Consider using "sufficiently remote", "far removed", or "adequately separated" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "far enough" and "distant enough"?

While both phrases express separation, "distant enough" often implies a more significant or formal separation than "far enough", which can be more casual.

When is it appropriate to use "distant enough" metaphorically?

Metaphorical use is appropriate when describing emotional or conceptual separation, such as "He remained "distant enough" from the conflict to maintain objectivity", but avoid using it in technical contexts where precision is crucial.