long distances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long distances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to great lengths or spans, often in the context of travel, communication, or relationships. Example: "The marathon runners trained for months to prepare for the long distances they would face on race day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't run long distances.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I run long distances.

The Guardian

Seeds can travel long distances.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Runners gain empowerment by going long distances.

The New York Times - Sports

Fewer children run long distances to school.

The Guardian

"I can't walk long distances without pain.

The Guardian

"Sending voltages over long distances is a problem.

The New York Times - Tech

Fish migrate long distances, and care little for international borders.

The New York Times

Once a wave begins, it can continue over long distances.

The Guardian

Boulders bigger than cars ride long distances in debris flows.

The New Yorker

People aren't going to be travelling long distances".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical movement or travel, use "long distances" to emphasize the effort, time, or resources required to cover the space.

Common error

Avoid using "long distances" as the subject of a passive construction. Instead of saying "Long distances were traveled", consider "People traveled long distances" for a more direct and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long distances" typically functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent or length of the noun, indicating that it covers a considerable amount of space. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long distances" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across varied fields, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly appearing in news, scientific, and general media, it serves to denote substantial spatial separation. When crafting your content, ensure to use it actively rather than passively and consider context-appropriate alternatives like "lengthy", "considerable", or "great distances" to subtly alter the tone. The phrase is considered correct and usable in written English, as shown by the multiple real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthy distances

Focuses on the extended length of the distances involved.

considerable distances

Emphasizes the significance or magnitude of the distances.

extensive distances

Highlights the broad or widespread nature of the distances.

vast distances

Indicates very large or immense distances.

great distances

A general term for large distances, similar in meaning to "long distances".

far distances

Emphasizes the remoteness or extended reach of the distances.

significant distances

Highlights the importance or impact of the distances involved.

extended distances

Focuses on the elongated or stretched nature of the distances.

prolonged distances

Suggests that the distances are long-lasting or continuous.

substantial distances

Indicates a large or significant amount of distance.

FAQs

How can I use "long distances" in a sentence?

You can use "long distances" to describe travel, communication, or separation. For instance, "Migratory birds fly "long distances"" or "The internet helps people communicate across "long distances"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "long distances"?

Alternatives include "lengthy distances", "considerable distances", or "great distances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "long distances" or "far distances"?

Both "long distances" and "far distances" are acceptable, but "long distances" is generally preferred when emphasizing the physical length or extent of the distance. "Far distances" is more common when highlighting remoteness.

What does it mean when something is described as being across "long distances"?

When something is described as being across "long distances", it implies that there is significant physical separation or extent involved, requiring considerable effort or resources to bridge or traverse.