less distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing distances, indicating that one distance is smaller than another. Example: "Taking the shortcut resulted in less distance to travel to the destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With so many players leaving, there is less distance between the top and the bottom teams.

The New York Times - Sports

That meant Alinghi sailed less distance faster, yacht racing's ultimate goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Try to find anyone else out here looking to find the key to less distance.

The New York Times

He said the strong German starters gained an advantage with less distance to cover.

The New York Times - Sports

There is less distance than one might suppose between the exaltation of an oracle and her bottom line.

The New Yorker

Naoko Okamoto, Mr. Kubota's 26-year-old secretary, said that now "there is less distance and human relations have improved".

The New York Times

Call it the Zen of driving: the less distance you drive each day, the more you see.

The New York Times - Travel

For weeks before a big meet, swimmers usually taper their training, with less distance but more speed.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a less rigid way of looking at the world of music, less distance between the experimental end of pop and some classical music.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In laboratory tests, the researchers found that after about 15 minutes of hopping, arthritic toads would cover less distance with each hop.

The New York Times - Science

Now, Krayzelburg said, "I'm doing a lot less distance and a lot more quality work, which is easier on my shoulder".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less distance", ensure you're comparing two specific distances. For example, "Taking the highway resulted in "less distance" traveled than the scenic route."

Common error

Avoid using "less distance" when you simply mean a short distance. "The store is a short distance away" is better than "The store is "less distance" away if you're not making a comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less distance" functions as a comparative quantifier modifying the noun "distance". It indicates a smaller spatial extent or separation between two points or objects. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less distance" is grammatically sound and frequently used to indicate a reduced spatial separation. Ludwig AI analysis and the provided examples confirm its applicability across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. While alternatives like "shorter distance" and "reduced distance" exist, "less distance" remains a versatile and acceptable option. It's crucial to use "less distance" in comparative scenarios, as highlighted in the writing guidance, and to avoid misuse in simple descriptive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shorter distance

Emphasizes the comparative brevity of the distance.

reduced distance

Focuses on the act of diminishing the distance.

decreased distance

Highlights the lessening of the distance.

smaller separation

Shifts the focus to the gap between two points.

closer proximity

Indicates a state of being nearer.

nearer range

Implies a shorter extent of reach.

diminished gap

Highlights the reduction in the interval between two things.

narrowed interval

Suggests the space between two things has become more constricted.

compressed space

Indicates a physical reduction in the area separating objects.

limited span

Focuses on the restricted extent of the distance.

FAQs

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

Use "less distance" when comparing two distances, indicating one is shorter. Example: "Driving directly resulted in "shorter distance" compared to detouring."

What are some alternatives to using "less distance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "shorter distance", "reduced distance", or "closer proximity".

Is it correct to say "fewer distance" instead of "less distance"?

"Fewer" is used for countable nouns, while "less" is for uncountable nouns. Since distance is treated as uncountable in this context, "less distance" is the correct choice.

What is the difference between "less distance" and "shorter distance"?

While both phrases are similar, "shorter distance" is generally preferred for describing physical distances. "Less distance" can be used more broadly in abstract contexts, although "shorter distance" is a valid alternative in almost any situation.