from a certain distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from a certain distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a perspective or viewpoint that is influenced by the physical distance from an object or situation. Example: "The painting looks different from a certain distance, revealing details that are not visible up close."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

He looks at people from a certain distance, which is a Brechtian idea".

The New York Times

Looked at from a certain distance, all of the Independence Days in one's life resemble a string of firecrackers.

The New York Times

The real friendship test Two people walk towards each other from a certain distance with eyes closed, trying to touch each other's outstretched finger.

The Guardian - Arts

And it registers with equal force from a certain distance — the viewpoint at which the strokes snap into a stunning likeness of the subject, and innumerable colors (most of them blacks and grays) clear their throats and sing.

The New Yorker

It was, like every year, a time that seems anachronistic from a certain distance, the year that Jesse James was killed and Ralph Waldo Emerson died and Franklin Roosevelt was born and the first commercial electric plant lit Lower Manhattan.

The New York Times

But too often they position us as savvy analysts of a scene we are encouraged to view from a certain distance, as if we were spectators to our own democracy, or clever manipulators of our fellow citizens.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He thought baskets from outside a certain distance should be worth more than baskets made from short range.

The New York Times - Sports

Note that the entrance is towards the back of the building, due to an old town ordinance prohibiting bars from being within a certain distance of churches.

The Guardian - Travel

The degree of conversion decreases linearly from the particle surface inwards to a certain distance from the surface where it decreases to zero, forming a sharp front that moves inwards with increasing reaction time.

Chemical Engineering Science

For more than 100 years, on-screen entertainment has been consumed in pretty much the same way —from a rectangular screen maintained at a certain distance from our eyes.

Los Angeles Times

This feature allows the phone to be locked if the child is separated from the phone over a certain distance.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from a certain distance" when you want to emphasize that the observed characteristics of something change depending on how far away the observer is. This is especially useful in describing visual art, perception, or strategic planning.

Common error

Avoid using "from a certain distance" when simply expressing a subjective opinion. This phrase implies a specific change in perception due to physical separation, not just a difference in viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from a certain distance" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the perspective or viewpoint influenced by physical separation. Ludwig examples show its use in describing altered perceptions, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from a certain distance" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize how perception changes with spatial separation. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its neutrality and broad appeal. Alternatives like "from afar" or "at a remove" offer nuanced substitutes, but it’s crucial to use "from a certain distance" when highlighting the impact of a specific separation on the observed phenomenon. Use this phrase when describing art, strategic planning, or any situation where perspective shifts with distance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from a distance

Slightly more general than the original phrase, lacking the emphasis on a 'certain' defined space.

from a particular vantage point

Emphasizes a specific point of observation, suggesting a deliberate choice of perspective.

from a specific range

Focuses on the measurable distance within which something is observed or effective.

at a remove

Implies a degree of separation, either physical or emotional, affecting perception.

from a safe distance

Highlights the importance of maintaining a secure physical or metaphorical boundary.

in perspective

Highlights the importance of viewing something within a broader context or timeframe.

with spatial separation

Focuses on physical distance as a key factor influencing observation or interaction.

from afar

Implies observation from a considerable distance, often suggesting a lack of direct involvement.

at some distance

Simply indicates that something is viewed or experienced from a position that is not immediately adjacent.

at arm's length

Suggests keeping something or someone separate, either physically or emotionally.

FAQs

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

You can use "from a certain distance" to describe how an object's appearance or significance changes depending on the observer's location. For example, "The artwork's details become more apparent from a certain distance".

What is an alternative to "from a certain distance"?

Alternatives include "from afar", "at a remove", or "in perspective", depending on the intended meaning.

Is it more formal to say "from a certain distance" or "from a distance"?

"From a certain distance" is only slightly more formal than "from a distance". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the specificity of the distance.

When is it appropriate to use "from a certain distance"?

Use "from a certain distance" when the spatial separation influences how something is perceived or understood. This is common in discussions about art, strategy, and observation.