short distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "short distance" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It refers to a relatively small or brief distance between two points or objects. Example: "I only live a short distance from the office, so I usually walk to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A short distance from N.Y.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, she gazed a short distance away.

The New York Times

And it wasn't a short distance".

The New York Times

"Which just presupposes a very short distance".

The New Yorker

He met them a short distance away.

The Washington Post

Her boyfriend stood a short distance away.

The New York Times

They watched the fire advance from a short distance away.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

These birds are considered short-distance migrants.

Cornell University

Americus was a sprinter, specializing in short-distance races.

Wikipedia

RegionalExpress and RegionalBahn are short-distance trains.

WikiHow

Practice this trick for a professional short-distance levitation.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "short distance", consider your audience. For formal writing, opt for more precise language like "nearby" or "close proximity". In more casual contexts, idioms like "a stone's throw away" can add color and personality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "short distance" when a more specific measurement is possible. For instance, instead of saying "the store is a short distance away", try "the store is 500 meters away" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "short distance" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically indicating a small physical separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples show it describing proximity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "short distance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate nearness or proximity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and understood. While appropriate for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation, more formal settings might benefit from more precise language. The phrase is versatile, but writers should be mindful of providing specific details when possible to avoid ambiguity. Its frequency across diverse sources confirms its established place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearby

Single word for something close in proximity.

a short hop

Replaces "distance" with a synonym.

close proximity

Replaces the adjective "short" with "close" and uses a noun instead.

a hop, skip, and jump

An idiomatic expression suggesting a very short and easy journey.

a stone's throw away

An idiomatic expression indicating something is very close by.

just around the corner

Indicates something is very near and easily found.

within easy reach

Suggests that something is easily accessible due to its closeness.

a quick jaunt

Implies a brief and effortless trip.

a little ways

Uses a more informal and folksy way to describe a small distance.

within spitting distance

An informal and somewhat crude way of saying something is very close.

FAQs

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

You can use "short distance" to describe something that is nearby or easily accessible. For example: "I live a "short distance" from the office" or "The park is only a "short distance" from here".

What are some alternatives to saying "short distance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "nearby", "close proximity", or "a stone's throw away".

Is "short distance" a formal or informal expression?

"Short distance" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, more precise terms like "nearby" or "close proximity" may be preferred.

What's the difference between "short distance" and "long distance"?

"Short distance" refers to a relatively small separation between two points, while "long distance" implies a significantly greater separation. For example, a "short distance" might be a few blocks, whereas "long distance" could be several miles or even across countries.