over long distances

USAGE SUMMARY

"over long distances" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe long distances, whether physical or metaphorical. For example: "The team had to rely on each other over long distances in order to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

We have used carrier pigeons as a means of communicating over long distances.

University of California, Berkeley

(In other words, the transmission of data can slow down over long distances).

The New York Times

In addition, I face daily difficulty in travelling over long distances to school.

The Guardian

Electricity markets used to be localized because wires could not carry electrical current over long distances.

The New York Times

Such storage transfers that use Internet protocol connections typically degrade over long distances.

The New York Times

Although it can be produced much more cheaply, it remains expensive to transport over long distances.

The Guardian - Tech

Turning methane into a liquid conveys several advantages, especially for transporting over long distances.

The New York Times

Late-spawning species are usually larger and move over long distances.

Britannica

It is spread locally by splashing rain, wind, and insects; over long distances, by birds.

Britannica

Trebuchets can fire over long distances.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "over long distances" to clearly indicate that something extends or travels across a considerable physical or metaphorical space. For example, when discussing data transmission or migratory patterns.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "over long distances" with phrases like "for a long time" if you are referring to duration rather than spatial extent. Ensure the context clearly indicates distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over long distances" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how or where an action occurs. Ludwig contains many examples where it describes movement, communication, or transmission.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

13%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "over long distances" is a versatile prepositional phrase commonly used to describe actions, movements, or processes that span considerable spatial extents. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts. As the examples show, it is frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates spatial extent rather than duration. While alternatives exist, such as "across great expanses" or "through lengthy routes", the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. In summary, "over long distances" effectively emphasizes the significance of the distance involved, making it a valuable tool for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traversing significant distances

Highlights the importance or size of the distances.

spanning considerable ranges

Highlights the extent of the reach or scope.

across expansive regions

Indicates broad or widespread areas.

across great expanses

Emphasizes the vastness of the area covered.

across vast territories

Indicates large areas or regions being traversed.

over extended stretches

Implies a continuous and prolonged duration or area.

covering extensive lengths

Stresses the substantial length or distance involved.

through lengthy routes

Focuses on the extended paths or ways involved.

through prolonged pathways

Focuses on the lengthy routes or channels.

reaching remote locations

Emphasizes the far-off or isolated destinations.

FAQs

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

You can use "over long distances" to describe the movement of objects, people, or information across a significant spatial range. For example, "Birds migrate "over long distances"".

What are some alternatives to saying "over long distances"?

Alternatives include phrases like "across great expanses", "through lengthy routes", or "spanning considerable ranges", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "over long distances" or "across long distances"?

Both "over" and "across" can be used with "long distances", but "over" often implies a more general sense of movement or coverage, while "across" might suggest a more direct path. The choice depends on the context.

Can "over long distances" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "over long distances" can be used metaphorically to describe the transmission of ideas or influence, or the maintenance of relationships, where physical distance is not the primary concern but the idea of separation or extent is. For example, "The organization maintained contact "over long distances" through virtual meetings".