for a considerable distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a considerable distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant length or extent of space in various contexts, such as travel, measurement, or physical space. Example: "The hikers walked for a considerable distance before they decided to take a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Running for a considerable distance, in fact.

The Guardian - Books

East Berliners, of course, have been evacuated for a considerable distance behind it.

The New Yorker

They gave Everton's defence a bit of a fright when Asamoah broke through and, after advancing unimpeded for a considerable distance, sent a shot curving tantalisingly wide.

The Guardian - Sport

He became caught under the truck and was "dragged for a considerable distance" before the men stopped and abandoned the truck, according to police reports.

The New York Times

The tongue can be extended from the mouth for a considerable distance and retracted almost instantaneously, with the prey attached to the sticky tongue pad.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The salt lakes through which for a considerable distance the canal takes its course, marked out the best, if not the only possible, line to take.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

For grownups, tears, when they do arrive, come from a considerable distance but startle us with their familiarity.

The New Yorker

The scene was photographed from a considerable distance at a slightly elevated perspective.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hinde could be heard praying from a "considerable distance".

Wikipedia

Nevertheless, the decision to ask the European Commission to prepare a formal assessment of Serbia's suitability for membership is an important symbolic moment for Serbia, though there remains a considerable distance from even starting talks on actual membership.

The New York Times

The UK takes bottom place "by a considerable distance" for the number of young people who smoke, abuse drink and drugs, engage in risky sex and become pregnant at too early an age.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a considerable distance" when you want to emphasize that something extends over a noteworthy length, without necessarily specifying the exact measurement. It is effective for conveying a sense of significant extent in descriptions.

Common error

While "for a considerable distance" is suitable for general writing, in technical reports or scientific papers, replace with precise measurements. Using specific units (e.g., kilometers, meters) provides clearer and more accurate information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a considerable distance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by indicating the extent or duration of an action or state. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes the length over which something occurs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

29%

News & Media

29%

Science

26%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a considerable distance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a noteworthy length or extent. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. It's important to use this phrase when a general sense of significant length is intended, while opting for precise measurements in technical contexts. Consider alternatives like "over a long stretch" or "across a substantial span" for variety. The phrase is versatile and widely accepted, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a significant length

Uses a more direct synonym for "considerable".

over a great extent

Uses "great" to convey a large size or degree.

over a long stretch

Focuses on the continuous nature of the length.

covering a sizable area

Focuses on the total area that is spanned.

across a substantial span

Emphasizes the largeness of the area covered.

through a broad expanse

Highlights the openness and wideness of the area.

through an extensive range

Highlights the breadth and scope of the distance.

along an extended pathway

Specifically suggests a path or route that is long.

along a lengthy course

Implies a path or route covering a significant distance.

across a noteworthy space

Emphasizes that the distance is worth mentioning.

FAQs

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

You can use "for a considerable distance" to describe something that extends over a significant length, such as "The road stretched "for a considerable distance" through the desert".

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

Alternatives include "over a long stretch", "across a substantial span", or "along a lengthy course". Choose the alternative that best fits the context.

Is it better to use precise measurements instead of "for a considerable distance"?

In technical or scientific writing, precise measurements are generally preferred. However, "for a considerable distance" is appropriate in descriptive or narrative contexts where a general sense of length is sufficient.

How does "for a considerable distance" differ from "for a short distance"?

"For a considerable distance" implies a long or noteworthy length, while "for a short distance" indicates a brief length. The choice depends on the actual length being described.