into the distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "into the distance" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as an adverbial phrase to describe movement or direction away from the speaker. Example: The horse galloped into the distance, disappearing into the foggy night. In this sentence, "into the distance" indicates the direction in which the horse is moving, away from the speaker.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She gazed into the distance.

The New York Times - Magazine

She looked into the distance.

The New Yorker

He stared into the distance.

The New York Times - Magazine

She sat looking into the distance.

The New Yorker

The city receded into the distance.

The New York Times

"There," he said, pointing into the distance.

The New Yorker

A coyote slid into the distance.

The New York Times

Schaap smiled off into the distance.

The New Yorker

It stretches away into the distance.

Independent

"They recede into the distance.

The New York Times

We looked into the distance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "into the distance" to create a sense of depth and perspective in your writing, whether describing physical landscapes or abstract concepts. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is receding or extending away.

Common error

Avoid confusing "into the distance" with "in the distance". "Into the distance" implies movement or direction towards a faraway point, while "in the distance" simply indicates something is located far away without implying motion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "into the distance" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs of motion or perception. It describes the direction or location towards which something is moving or being observed. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates movement or direction away from the speaker. Examples from Ludwig show the phrase modifying verbs like 'stretched', 'disappeared', and 'faded'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "into the distance" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adverbial phrase that conveys a sense of depth and remoteness. Ludwig AI confirms its function in indicating movement or direction away from the speaker. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it's effective for descriptive writing where visualizing perspective and vastness is important. Remember to differentiate its usage from "in the distance", which indicates location rather than movement. Using "into the distance" properly enhances the imagery and emotional impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the far distance

Emphasizes the remoteness of the location or object.

far away

This is a shorter, more direct way to indicate something is at a great distance.

into the horizon

Specifically refers to the line where the earth and sky appear to meet, often implying disappearance.

out of sight

Indicates that something has moved beyond the range of vision.

over the horizon

Similar to 'into the horizon' but may suggest something is approaching from afar.

off into the sunset

Conveys a sense of finality and romantic departure, usually implying a journey's end.

at a distance

Describes something that is not close, maintaining a separation.

in the background

Implies something is present but not the main focus and is located further away.

into the unknown

Suggests venturing toward something uncertain and unexplored.

in the long run

Refers to a future time, usually concerning the outcome of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "into the distance" to describe something moving or extending far away, such as, "The train disappeared "into the distance"" or "The road stretched "into the distance"".

What's a good alternative to "into the distance"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "far away", "in the far distance", or "into the horizon". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "into the distance" or "in the distance"?

The choice depends on the context. "Into the distance" implies movement or direction, while "in the distance" simply describes something located far away. For example, "They walked "into the distance"" versus "I saw a mountain "in the distance"".

Can "into the distance" be used figuratively?

Yes, "into the distance" can be used figuratively to describe something fading or becoming less important over time, similar to how a physical object recedes from view. For example, "The memory faded "into the distance"".