enormous distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enormous distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant physical or metaphorical gap between two points or concepts. Example: "The enormous distance between their beliefs made it difficult for them to find common ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

And poorer countries have an enormous distance to travel.

The Economist

Her feet seemed now to be at some enormous distance from her body.

The New Yorker

"But for now, unfortunately, there is an enormous distance between what must be and the current reality".

The New York Times

Seen from that enormous distance, they are just doing what their sort of stuff does — coming into consciousness, reproducing, dying.

The New Yorker

Earth-based observations of Neptune before Voyager 2's flyby suffered greatly as a consequence of the planet's enormous distance from both Earth and the Sun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the three decades since, our country has traveled an enormous distance, and today is a poignant and compelling marker of that.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Barstein explains how the enormous distances and harsh conditions make reporting difficult.

The Guardian

The possibility of short-circuiting the enormous distances between stars makes wormholes attractive for space travel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When you're running these enormous distances you must hit 'the wall' numerous times.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many top predators must travel enormous distances to find mates and keep populations from becoming inbred.

The New York Times

The first settlers here moved enormous distances in order to find religious and social freedom, away from Peter the Great.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing physical distances, consider pairing "enormous distance" with specific units of measurement to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "enormous distance" when the separation isn't tangible or measurable. For example, saying "there's an enormous distance between liking and loving" is vague. Instead, use more precise language like "a profound difference" or "a significant distinction."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enormous distance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, typically modifying or describing a noun. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its adaptability in expressing significant separation or disparity. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enormous distance" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant separation, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig's analysis confirms this, providing numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. While alternatives such as "great distance" and "vast expanse" exist, "enormous distance" effectively conveys the magnitude of the separation. Remember to use this phrase when the separation is truly substantial and measurable to avoid vagueness. Ludwig's AI confirms it's good to use this phrase in your writings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great distance

Replaces "enormous" with "great", indicating a large but possibly less exaggerated separation.

considerable separation

Focuses on the act of being separated, using a more formal tone.

immense gap

Implies a significant difference or disparity, rather than a physical distance.

vast expanse

Emphasizes the space or area involved, rather than just the linear separation.

significant interval

Suggests a distance measured in time or other non-spatial units.

tremendous span

Highlights the extent or reach of something across the distance.

substantial range

Similar to span, but can also refer to a variety or scope of something.

extreme length

Focuses on the linear measurement of the distance.

immeasurable space

Emphasizes that the distance is so large it's difficult or impossible to measure.

sizeable difference

Shifts the focus from physical distance to a difference in quantity or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "enormous distance" in a sentence?

You can use "enormous distance" to describe a significant physical separation, such as "The astronaut traveled an enormous distance to reach the moon", or a metaphorical gap, like "There is an enormous distance between their ideals and reality".

What are some alternatives to "enormous distance"?

Some alternatives to "enormous distance" include "great distance", "vast expanse", or "considerable separation", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "enormous distance" or "immense distance"?

"Enormous distance" and "immense distance" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. Both emphasize a large degree of separation.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "enormous distance"?

Avoid using "enormous distance" when referring to minor differences or separations. It is best reserved for situations where the distance or gap is truly substantial or significant. For less significant gaps, consider using terms like "slight difference" or "small gap".