immense distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immense distance" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a great or vast amount of physical space between two objects or locations. Example: The astronaut looked out the window of the spaceship, marveling at the immense distance between Earth and the moon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The sandbags in front of me receded into immense distance.

The Guardian

The immense distance between the two ends of the continent makes an ancient African exchange system appear improbable.

The Economist

By the end of his life, Borneman had travelled an immense distance from his early, brilliant foray into detective fiction.

The Guardian - Books

The immense distance between the reality of life on those outback stations, and the political manoeuvring in Canberra, seems even greater at times of crisis.

The Guardian

That's an immense distance for patients of limited means, who may not be able to afford gas or may not even have a car.

The Washington Post

One part of the immense distance that separates Gentiles from the Jewish experience of Auschwitz is the role of God there.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Because neutrinos interact so weakly, they can travel immense distances.

The New Yorker

These spices were traded over immense distances because (like silk, unlike milk) they could be.

The Guardian - Books

Such groups, which included the Scythians, Cimmerians, and Sarmatians, traveled immense distances on horseback.

Encyclopedia Britannica

WILD SPORTS OF BURMA AND ASSAM go such immense distances, that a stern chase is, with them, the proverbially long one.

Cornell University

But if covering immense distances can be counter-productive, it is clear now that more moderate runs can result in very real benefits.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical locations, use "immense distance" to emphasize the challenges in traversing or connecting those locations. For example, "The immense distance between the two cities made regular communication difficult."

Common error

Avoid using "immense distance" when referring to very small measurable gaps. The phrase is most effective when describing vast or significant separations, not minuscule or easily quantifiable intervals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immense distance" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier, where the adjective "immense" intensifies the noun "distance". Ludwig examples showcase its role in describing spatial separation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "immense distance" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to convey a considerable separation, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it effectively emphasizes the magnitude of the separation. While alternatives like "great separation" or "vast expanse" exist, "immense distance" specifically highlights the scale of the separation. When writing, consider its appropriateness to convey significant separation, avoiding its use for negligible gaps.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial distance

A more formal and slightly weaker synonym.

large space

A simpler, more general way to describe a substantial area.

vast expanse

Focuses on the area covered rather than the separation between points.

significant separation

Emphasizes the importance of the separation.

great separation

Uses a more general term for separation, applicable to non-spatial contexts as well.

tremendous stretch

Highlights the length of something that extends afar.

considerable gap

Implies a break or discontinuity in space or time.

extensive range

Emphasizes the scope or reach over a large area.

broad gulf

Suggests a metaphorical divide as well as a physical one.

sizeable interval

More appropriate for temporal or numerical contexts than spatial.

FAQs

How can I use "immense distance" in a sentence?

You can use "immense distance" to describe physical separation, such as "The astronauts marveled at the "immense distance" between Earth and Mars", or to highlight a metaphorical divide, like "There was an "immense distance" between their political views".

What's the difference between "immense distance" and "vast distance"?

Both phrases describe a large separation, but "immense distance" emphasizes the scale and grandeur of the separation, while "vast distance" highlights the extent of space involved. They are often interchangeable, but "immense" can carry a stronger emotional impact.

Are there synonyms for "immense distance"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "great separation", "substantial distance", or "vast expanse" depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is it correct to use "immense distance" in a non-physical context?

Yes, although primarily used for physical separation, "immense distance" can also be used metaphorically to describe significant differences in opinions, beliefs, or experiences. For example, "An "immense distance" separated their understanding of the issue".