great distances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great distances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the concept of long measurements of space or the extent of separation between two points. Example: "The explorers traveled across great distances to discover new lands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Orcas can travel great distances.

The New York Times - Science

Could he swim great distances?

The New Yorker

Sounds arrived from great distances.

The New Yorker

Most cranes cover great distances on migration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Turtles and sharks also migrate great distances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then it was shipped great distances.

The New Yorker

(APPLAUSE) And they'll be brought great distances.

The New York Times

"It comes great distances from where you buy it.

The New York Times - Food

Instead Trump pledged to take those he deported "great distances".

The Guardian

He also loved water, swimming great distances daily.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Dragged a great distance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "great distances", ensure that the context clearly indicates the mode of travel or the nature of the separation. For example, specify whether it's about geographical space, conceptual differences, or time intervals.

Common error

Don't use "great distances" without providing context. Saying "they traveled great distances" is less effective than specifying "they traveled great distances across the desert" or "they traveled "great distances to" reach the summit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great distances" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs of motion or separation, as shown by Ludwig. It indicates the extent of travel, separation, or movement, adding detail to how something is done or where things are located.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great distances" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote a significant separation or extent, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as an adverbial phrase to add detail to verbs of motion or separation. While grammatically correct and widely applicable, it's best used with clear context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "long distances" or "vast distances" offer similar meanings, but "great distances" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vast distances

Emphasizes the immensity and scale of the distances involved.

long distances

A more straightforward and commonly used alternative, focusing on the length.

considerable distances

Highlights that the distances are noteworthy and significant.

significant distances

Similar to 'considerable distances', emphasizing the importance of the distances.

extended distances

Focuses on the extent and reach of the distances.

tremendous distances

Emphasizes the magnitude and impressiveness of the distances.

enormous distances

Highlights the sheer size and immensity of the distances.

immense distances

Similar to 'enormous distances', stressing the vastness.

large expanses

Shifts focus to the area covered rather than the specific measurement of distance.

wide ranges

Describes a broad scope or spectrum rather than linear distance.

FAQs

How can I use "great distances" in a sentence?

You can use "great distances" to describe travel, separation, or movement. For example, "Migratory birds often fly "great distances" each year", or "The two cities are separated by "great distances"".

What can I say instead of "great distances"?

You can use alternatives like "long distances", "vast distances", or "considerable distances" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a great distance" instead of "great distances"?

Yes, both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A great distance" refers to a single, specific measurement, while "great distances" generally refers to multiple or unspecified long measurements.

Which is more appropriate, "travel over great distances" or "travel across great distances"?

"Travel over "great distances"" and "travel across "great distances"" are both acceptable. "Over" emphasizes the act of traversing, while "across" emphasizes the space being traversed.