on a distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a distance" is not grammatically correct in written English.
A more correct way to express this idea would be "at a distance" or "from a distance." You can use this phrase to describe something that is located far away from you or someone else. For example: - The mountain range in the distance looked majestic against the blue sky. - She watched the sunset from a distance, enjoying the peacefulness of the moment. - The sniper was able to hit the target from a distance of 500 meters. - The children waved to their parents from a distance as they walked to school.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Overall, 'molecularly' interpenetrating networks (IPNs) are indicated, in which the gellan and agarose architectures pass through one another on a distance scale comparable to their pore sizes.

Carbohydrate Polymers

With her goals in mind, she kept her job and enrolled on a distance learning degree in molecular science at the Open University.

The Guardian

When such an environmental proxy is measured, its values are known on a distance grid.

Computers & Geosciences

Lastly, a set of alternative solutions is ranked, based on a distance measure chosen.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Most Machine Learning (ML) methods, from clustering to classification, rely on a distance function to describe relationships between datapoints.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

Most of the existing approaches perform data classification based on a distance measure in a multivariate feature space.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The DTW algorithm itself is used for measuring similarity between temporal sequences, based on a distance matrix and dynamic programming.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Consequently, the shell of aggregated object can contain AuNP separated on a distance equivalent to NDT length leading to formation of narrow light absorption band.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Finally, in the third stage, the group rank position of alternatives is obtained based on a distance of individual rank positions.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Comparisons are based on a distance-based performance index.

Robotics and Biomimetics

Sulfur, nitrate and calcium concentrations correlated with endophyte community differences among tree groups based on a distance-based redundancy analysis.

Fungal Ecology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct preposition: prefer "at a distance" or "from a distance" to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "on" to describe spatial separation. Using "on a distance" is grammatically incorrect; opt for "at a distance" or "from a distance" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a distance" functions as a prepositional phrase, but it is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig indicates the correct forms are "at a distance" or "from a distance".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "on a distance" may be encountered, it's crucial to recognize that it's grammatically incorrect. Ludwig suggests that the correct alternatives are "at a distance" or "from a distance". These alternatives effectively convey the intended meaning of spatial separation or objective viewpoint. When aiming for clarity and grammatical accuracy, especially in formal or scientific writing, it's best to avoid "on a distance" and opt for its correct counterparts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a distance

Replaces "on" with "at" for correct prepositional usage indicating separation.

from a distance

Uses "from" to indicate observation or action originating at a removed location.

remotely

Implies separation and indirect interaction.

apart

Focuses on the state of being separated.

separated by

Highlights the element that causes the separation.

a certain distance away

Specifies an unspecified measure of separation.

in the distance

Refers to something far off but still within sight or perception.

from afar

Implies observation from a significant separation.

distantly

Indicates something that is spatially or conceptually removed.

out of reach

Emphasizes the inaccessibility due to the separation.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "on a distance"?

The grammatically correct alternatives are "at a distance" or "from a distance". These options ensure clarity and adhere to standard English usage.

When should I use "at a distance" instead of "on a distance"?

Always use "at a distance" because "on a distance" is grammatically incorrect. "At a distance" correctly indicates separation or remoteness.

Can I use "on a distance" in any context?

No, "on a distance" is generally considered incorrect in standard English. Opt for "at a distance" or "from a distance" for accurate and clear communication.

Are there similar phrases to "on a distance" that I can use?

While "on a distance" is incorrect, you can use phrases like "remotely", "apart", or "separated by" to convey a similar meaning of spatial separation, depending on the context.