for some distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for some distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a certain length or extent of space, often in relation to travel or movement. Example: "We walked for some distance before we decided to take a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He drove on in a horrified daze for some distance.

The New Yorker

Mi-huak (ford) Thence ascend for some distance np the bed of a small stream.

Cornell University

The agents followed the defendants for some distance but lost trace of them.

Cornell University

Water can travel in several directions and for some distance over rafters and other framing.

The New York Times

My bonnet blocks my view of that part of the road for some distance ahead.

The Guardian

Often the water remains shallow for some distance offshore, making it safe for young children.

The Guardian - Travel

The children give him a fine sendoff, following his car with their bicycles for some distance.

The New Yorker

For some distance beneath the drift, water saturation and flux are reduced.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Once the gps acquires a fix, it can keep the fix for some distance into a building.

Cornell University

"You climbed down a spiral staircase and actually could walk between the falls and the rock wall for some distance".

The New York Times - Travel

These vortices persisted for some distance downstream of the wind turbine and finally become unstable producing a sinuous shape.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “for some distance” to describe movement or extent when the precise length isn't known or isn't important to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "for some distance" in contexts where a more precise measurement is expected. If the actual distance is known, provide that information for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for some distance" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the extent or length over which an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

0.1%

Formal & Business

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for some distance" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe an indefinite spatial extent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse writing contexts, including news, academic papers, and general descriptive writing. While a precise measurement might be preferable in certain situations, "for some distance" effectively communicates a notable length when specificity is unnecessary or unknown.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over a certain length

This alternative specifies length as the measured attribute, whereas "for some distance" is more general.

across a span

Uses "span" to describe the distance, suggesting an area or range covered.

for a stretch

Employs a more informal term, "stretch", implying an unbroken segment of distance.

through a portion

This phrase indicates movement through a delimited part of space.

across a space

Focuses on traversing a space without necessarily implying great length.

along a trajectory

Highlights the path taken over the distance, adding a sense of direction.

for a ways

Uses the informal "ways" to mean distance, suitable for casual contexts.

for a considerable period

Shifts the focus to time spent covering the distance rather than the distance itself.

over an interval

Highlights the intermittent or segmented nature of the distance.

to a certain extent

This focuses on the degree or scope of action, not necessarily physical distance.

FAQs

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

You can use "for some distance" to describe a length or extent of space, like in the sentence, "The road continued "for some distance" along the coast."

What are some alternatives to "for some distance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "over a certain length", "across a span", or "for a stretch", depending on the context.

Is it better to use a specific measurement instead of "for some distance"?

If the exact measurement is known and relevant, using a specific distance (e.g., "for five miles") provides greater clarity. Use "for some distance" when the exact length is unknown or unimportant.

What's the difference between "for some distance" and "for a while"?

"For some distance" refers to a spatial extent, while "for a while" refers to a period of time. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects what you are describing.