have a distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a distance" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express the idea of maintaining a physical or emotional space between people or things, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "In order to maintain a healthy relationship, it's important to have a distance when necessary."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both options have a £530 valuation fee.

Independent

I have a 10-year-old daughter".

The New York Times

I have a '71 280SL, which I restored.

The New York Times

They have a 9-month-old child.

The New York Times

New officials would have a 401(k).

The New York Times - Sports

I have a 7 a.m. call time".

The New York Times

We have a £380m school refurbishment programme.

The Guardian

(The Jets have a 51-50-1 series lead).

The New York Times - Sports

(They have a 10-year lease).

The New York Times - Arts

All humans have a BRCA1 gene.

The New York Times

We have a 15-year lease.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the awkward phrase "have a distance", opt for the more grammatically sound and widely accepted alternatives like "maintain a distance" or "keep a distance".

Common error

Avoid constructing phrases like "have a distance" when expressing the idea of separation. This phrasing is not standard English. Always choose more precise and grammatically correct alternatives like "maintain" or "keep" to ensure clarity and professionalism in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a distance" functions as an attempt to describe a state of separation. However, this phrasing is not grammatically sound. Ludwig AI suggests using alternatives like "maintain a distance" or "keep a distance".

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a distance" is not a standard or grammatically correct English expression. While the intention might be to describe separation, it's best to avoid this phrasing. Ludwig AI suggests more appropriate alternatives like "maintain a distance" or "keep a distance". Given the lack of real-world examples and the negative assessment, it's advisable to use these more conventional options to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing. The phrase is virtually absent from authoritative sources and is not recommended for use in any context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Maintain a distance

Replaces "have a" with the more standard verb "maintain", making the phrase grammatically correct and more common.

Keep a distance

Uses "keep" instead of "have", resulting in a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase.

Create separation

Focuses on the act of causing a space to exist, rather than simply possessing it.

Establish space

Emphasizes the creation of a defined area of separation.

Provide clearance

Highlights the act of allowing free passage or avoiding obstruction, related to physical distance.

Ensure detachment

Focuses on ensuring a lack of emotional or physical connection.

Promote independence

Emphasizes fostering autonomy by creating separation.

Cultivate autonomy

Implies the deliberate act of growing separate or self-governing entities.

Allow breathing room

Offers an idiomatic expression for giving someone space to operate freely.

Encourage freedom

Highlights the positive outcome of creating separation, such as allowing more freedom.

FAQs

What is the correct way to express the idea of separation using the word "distance"?

Instead of the awkward phrasing "have a distance", it's better to use more established expressions such as "maintain a distance" or "keep a distance".

Are there situations where "have a distance" is grammatically acceptable?

The phrase "have a distance" is generally considered grammatically incorrect or at least highly unusual in standard English. It's advisable to use alternative phrasing to ensure clarity.

What are some synonyms for maintaining physical separation?

Phrases such as "create separation", "establish space", or "provide clearance" can be used to describe maintaining physical separation depending on the specific context.

How can I express the concept of emotional separation more effectively?

To convey emotional separation, consider using phrases like "ensure detachment" or discussing the need to "promote independence" which imply creating emotional space.