every few feet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every few feet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a distance or interval that occurs repeatedly over a short span, often in contexts related to measurements or physical space. Example: "The path was lined with trees every few feet, creating a beautiful canopy overhead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He stopped every few feet, checked, communicated with the team.

The New York Times

People stop him every few feet to shake his hand.

The New York Times - Style

Every few feet, they stuck a depth gauge into the water.

The New Yorker

Computer monitors positioned head-high every few feet flashed the orders for a given station.

The New Yorker

Angel makes her slow way around the room again, stopping every few feet, head tilted.

The New Yorker

Every few feet, tourists stopped Officers Reyes and Hemme and asked them to pose for photographs.

The New York Times

The two sides are reported to be fighting for every few feet of territory.

The Guardian

Students stopped him every few feet with thanks, handshakes and a chorus of "awesomes".

The New York Times

Police officers will be stationed every few feet along Pennsylvania Avenue.

The New York Times

Police lined the streets outside the Capitol, checking identification every few feet.

The New York Times

Every few feet, acquiescing to the nonstop requests, he stopped and posed again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "every few feet" to create a vivid sense of spatial arrangement or repeated action in your writing. For example, instead of saying "The lights were placed along the path", try "The lights were placed along the path every few feet, creating a warm glow".

Common error

While "every few feet" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "at short intervals" or specify different measurements to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every few feet" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by specifying how frequently or at what intervals something occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It describes spatial arrangement or repeated action, enhancing descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "every few feet" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that describes spatial intervals or repeated actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various writing styles, especially in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider providing vivid descriptions and avoiding overuse by varying your language with alternatives like "at short intervals". By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively integrate "every few feet" into your writing to enhance clarity and imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Every couple of feet

Specifies an approximate distance, similar to "every few feet".

Every few steps

Substitutes "feet" with "steps", implying movement and short distances.

At short intervals

Replaces "every few feet" with a more general term for repeated occurrences.

At frequent intervals

Highlights the regularity and closeness of the intervals.

Every so often

Indicates repeated actions or objects with a less precise measurement of distance.

At brief intervals

Focuses on the short time or distance between each occurrence.

At regular intervals

Stresses the consistent spacing between occurrences.

A short distance apart

Focuses on the small separation between items or events.

With little separation

Highlights the minimal distance between objects or events.

In close proximity

Emphasizes the nearness of objects or occurrences, without specifying exact measurements.

FAQs

How can I use "every few feet" in a sentence?

Use "every few feet" to describe regularly spaced intervals or short distances, like: "Trees were planted "every few feet" along the avenue" or "Signs appeared "every few feet" warning of the construction zone".

What are some alternatives to "every few feet"?

Consider using phrases like "at short intervals", "at regular intervals", or "every couple of feet" for variety.

Is it more appropriate to use "every few feet" or "every few meters"?

The choice depends on your audience and the context. "Every few feet" is common in the United States, while "every few meters" is more appropriate in countries that use the metric system. Consider which measurement unit is more familiar to your readers.

What's the difference between "every few feet" and "a short distance apart"?

"Every few feet" implies a more regular and measured interval, while "a short distance apart" suggests a general closeness without specifying the exact spacing.