for a certain distance

USAGE SUMMARY

'for a certain distance' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe a limited amount of space or time. For example: "We must travel for a certain distance before reaching our destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The Christian procession followed the same route as the pagan procession for a certain distance and then turned off and returned to St. Peter's Basilica, where mass was celebrated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You know if you have a certain power output in training that will give you a certain time for a certain distance on race day and you can win, because no one else out there can do 4min 13sec for a 4,000m pursuit, for example.

The Guardian - Sport

If the number of superconducting electrons per unit volume is locally disturbed by an applied force (typically electric or magnetic), this disturbance propagates for a certain distance in the material; the distance is called the superconducting coherence length (or Ginzburg-Landau coherence length), ξ.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the aquifer is semiconfined and extends for a certain distance D under the sea, head response results from the superposition of two types of effects: hydraulic (i.e., ground water flow connection through aquifer and aquitard) and mechanical (induced by tidal loading onto the sea floor).

Journal of Hydrology

The slope of the standing ways which are often cambered (slightly curved upward toward the middle or slightly curved downward toward the ends) in the fore and aft direction ranges from one-half to three-quarters of an inch per foot of length (from 42 to 62 millimetres per metre of length); ways extend from a position near the bow to past the stern and for a certain distance into the water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Over a period of time, the typical path of a single jet of polymer solution, in the electrospinning process follows the nearly straight electric field lines for a certain distance away from the tip, and then develops a series of electrically driven bending instabilities that cause the path of the jet to explore a cone shaped envelope as the jet elongates and dries into a nanofiber.

Polymer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In the case of spraying this might involve technical regulations for the application (e.g., using drift-reducing technology) or requirements for maintaining a certain distance from surface water bodies.

Environmental Sciences Europe

A PID controller was used to determine appropriate vehicle speed for maintaining a certain distance from the target.

Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

The search engine did not search for specific routes, but for routes within a certain distance.

Crime Science

Gas money or mileage and other travel expenses can also be deducted for business trips and for people who move beyond a certain distance for a new job, but aren't reimbursed for moving expenses.

The Washington Post

Finally, he is developing practical standards that the Air Force can use to judge whether an airman is physically fit for combat: a minimum number of crunches, for example, or swimming a certain distance within a time limit.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a certain distance", ensure the context clarifies what is happening or being measured over that distance. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "for a certain distance" without providing context or units of measurement. Vague references can confuse readers. Always specify or imply the measurement scale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a certain distance" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the extent to which an action or state continues. It is often used to specify a limited spatial extent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a certain distance" serves as a versatile adverbial phrase, commonly employed to specify the extent of an action or state. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, affirming its role in providing spatial context across diverse scenarios. Appearing frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources, the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communications. To ensure clarity, provide specific context or units of measurement when using this phrase. This enhances reader comprehension and prevents ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a specific length

Replaces "distance" with "length", focusing on the measurable extent.

over a defined range

Substitutes "distance" with "range", highlighting the boundaries within which something occurs.

for a limited span

Uses "span" instead of "distance", emphasizing the continuous extent.

across a designated area

Replaces "distance" with "area", broadening the scope to a two-dimensional extent.

within a set perimeter

Emphasizes the boundary or limit of the distance.

up to a certain point

Focuses on reaching a specific location along the distance.

for a given stretch

Emphasizes a continuous segment of the distance.

along a particular path

Highlights the route or trajectory of the distance.

through a prescribed zone

Focuses on the defined region containing the distance.

for a measured segment

Highlights that the segment of distance is quantified

FAQs

How can I use "for a certain distance" in a sentence?

Use "for a certain distance" to indicate a limited spatial extent. For example, "The river flows swiftly "for a certain distance" before widening."

What are some alternatives to "for a certain distance"?

Alternatives include "to a specific length", "over a defined range", or "for a limited span", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "specific" or "certain" with "distance"?

Both "specific distance" and "certain distance" are acceptable, but "certain" implies a known but unspecified distance, while "specific" emphasizes a precisely defined measurement. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "for a certain distance" and "for a short distance"?

"For a short distance" specifies that the distance is not long, while ""for a certain distance"" indicates a specific distance without specifying whether it is short or long.