increase the distance

USAGE SUMMARY

'increase the distance' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that two objects should have more space between them. For example, "The teacher asked the students to increase the distance between the desks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Gradually, trainers increase the distance, sometimes releasing the youngsters twice a day.

The New York Times

Suddenly all the cars slowed down to increase the distance from the convoy and stayed away from the sides.

The Guardian

Some strike poses that effectively increase the distance between them and their readers, foiling voyeurs.

The New York Times

The $70 million plan to increase the distance between seats gives economy passengers more legroom than they have had on any domestic carrier in 20 years.

The New York Times

But even when it was common practice, Brien said, he never tried to alter the ball's characteristics to increase the distance of his kicks.

The New York Times - Sports

The idea is to increase the distance between trees to prevent the so-called "crown fires," which are virtually impossible for firefighters to put out.

The New York Times

While the smoothbores could still be effective in close quarters, inventors and arms manufacturers sought ways to increase the distance — and speed — with which soldiers effectively could fight.

The New York Times

The move is expected to eliminate about 28,000 jobs and increase the distance that mail must travel between post offices and processing centers.

The New York Times

These two cities are 8,600 miles apart, though diversions to avoid conflict zones in Iraq and Syria will increase the distance flown.

Independent

The primary goal in the selection of materials for aerospace structures is the enhancement of fuel efficiency to increase the distance traveled and the payload delivered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This should also increase the distance of Si-NC-Er3+ interaction.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing safety protocols, use "increase the distance" to emphasize preventive measures, like "To prevent the spread of germs, increase the distance between desks."

Common error

Avoid using "increase the distance" when referring to abstract concepts like relationships or understanding; instead, opt for phrases like "create separation" or "develop understanding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase the distance" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting on a noun phrase. It denotes the act of making the space or interval between two points or objects greater. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

29%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increase the distance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes making the space between two points or objects larger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from scientific and technical writing to everyday instructions. While generally neutral in register, it can also adopt a more formal or scientific tone. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended physical or spatial alteration and consider alternative phrasing for abstract applications. The phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widen the gap

Focuses on making the separation more significant, emphasizing the resulting space.

extend the range

Highlights expanding the reach or scope, particularly in a spatial sense.

lengthen the separation

Specifically refers to making the physical interval longer.

expand the space

Emphasizes the resulting area between two points, focusing on making it larger.

spread out further

Suggests a dispersal or distribution over a larger area.

magnify the interval

Implies amplifying the separation, making it substantially greater.

amplify the separation

Implies amplifying the separation, making it substantially greater.

stretch the span

Focuses on elongating the measurement from one point to another.

broaden the reach

Highlights expanding the influence or scope.

dilate the space

Implies an enlargement of the space, often in a more technical or scientific context.

FAQs

How can I use "increase the distance" in a sentence?

You can use "increase the distance" to describe actions that widen the gap between objects or points. For example, "The engineer needed to increase the distance between the supports."

What is a good alternative to "increase the distance"?

Alternatives include "widen the gap", "extend the range", or "lengthen the separation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "increase the distance"?

It is appropriate to use "increase the distance" when discussing physical separation, spatial arrangement, or extending a measurable interval. In abstract contexts, other phrases may be more suitable.

Is there a difference between "increase the distance" and "widen the distance"?

While similar, "increase the distance" is a more general term, while "widen the distance" emphasizes making an existing separation larger. You may also "lengthen the separation".