enough distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enough distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sufficient amount of space or separation between two objects, people, or concepts. Example: "To ensure safety during the experiment, we need to maintain enough distance from the chemical reactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We are at a safe enough distance.

The New York Times

I didn't have enough distance.

The Guardian - Books

I don't think [the media has] maintained enough distance but the toughest BBC interviewers do".

The Guardian

Hall's kick had enough distance but tailed to the left at the last moment.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally I thought I had put enough distance between me and it.

The New York Times - Arts

I recently placed myself at a safe enough distance to ask her some questions.

The New Yorker

Users win "pins" if they cover enough distance or ski enough resorts.

The New York Times

The passage of time seems to have given him just enough distance to overcome these dangers.

The New York Times - Books

"It was dealing with the interpersonal stuff, but I didn't have enough distance yet".

The New York Times

The tone is a touch raw, with just enough distance to be amused.

The New York Times

Its length gave her just enough distance to avoid any mishaps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enough distance" to describe emotional or mental states, ensure the context clearly indicates what separation is needed from and why. For example, "He needed enough distance from the project to evaluate its success objectively."

Common error

Avoid using "enough distance" when "sufficient time" or "adequate resources" are more appropriate. The phrase primarily refers to spatial or emotional separation, not abstract adequacy. For instance, don't say "We didn't have enough distance to complete the project" when you mean "We didn't have enough time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enough distance" primarily functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes a sufficient amount of separation between two or more entities, whether physical or abstract. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "enough distance" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies a sufficient amount of separation, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being separated and the purpose of the separation. Consider alternatives such as "sufficient space" or "adequate separation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient space

Focuses on the physical separation or area available.

adequate separation

Highlights the necessary gap to avoid collision or interference.

ample room

Emphasizes having more than the minimum space required.

sufficient detachment

Refers to emotional or psychological separation for objective evaluation.

adequate perspective

Highlights the necessary mental space to gain a clear viewpoint.

requisite interval

Focuses on the necessary time or space between events or actions.

safe buffer

Emphasizes a margin of safety in terms of space or time.

comfortable margin

Implies having more than the needed separation for ease and security.

appropriate gap

Highlights the suitability of the space or time between things.

necessary headway

Focuses on creating sufficient space or time for progress or maneuverability.

FAQs

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

Use "enough distance" to describe a sufficient amount of separation, either physical or emotional. For example, "We maintained enough distance from the fire to remain safe" or "She needed enough distance from the situation to make an unbiased decision."

What can I say instead of "enough distance"?

You can use alternatives like "sufficient space", "adequate separation", or "ample room" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "enough distance" literally versus figuratively?

Use "enough distance" literally when referring to physical space, such as in sports or construction. Use it figuratively to describe emotional or mental detachment, such as gaining "adequate perspective" on a past event.

What's the difference between "enough distance" and "safe distance"?

"Enough distance" implies a sufficient separation for a particular purpose, while "safe distance" specifically denotes a separation that ensures safety from harm or danger. You might have enough distance to see something clearly, but not a "safe distance" from an explosion.