shortest distance

USAGE SUMMARY

"shortest distance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about the most efficient route between two points, for example, "The shortest distance between the airport and my home is 12 miles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bolt dominates the shortest distance, 100 meters.

The New York Times - Sports

"A smile is the shortest distance between two people.

The New Yorker

The deepest curve has the shortest distance to the mean.

Nature

It was perhaps the shortest distance a cheeseburger has flown.

The New York Times

People want the shortest distance possible from plot to plate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Already the shortest distance between two points and the hypotenuse of a square.

The New Yorker

As in Euclidean geometry, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

The New York Times

"Laughter turns that around – it is the shortest distance between two people".

The Guardian - Music

The shortest distance, 250 meters, takes less than a minute from start to finish line.

The New York Times - Arts

Ground-based routes are typically longer than the shortest distance between two points.

Nature

So this is probably a trickier one for you, what's the shortest distance you've ever run?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing travel or logistics, use "shortest distance" to emphasize efficiency and minimizing travel time or cost. For example, "The delivery company optimizes routes to ensure the "shortest distance" is traveled, reducing fuel consumption and delivery times."

Common error

Avoid using "shortest distance" when factors other than physical length are more important. For example, if a path is blocked or dangerous, the "shortest distance" might not be the most practical route. In such cases, consider using phrases like "safest route" or "most efficient path" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shortest distance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the minimum length between two points, whether physical locations, concepts, or abstract ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shortest distance" is a common and versatile term, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe the most direct route or minimum length between two points. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its communicative purpose emphasizes efficiency and optimization, making it suitable for various contexts, from casual conversation to scientific writing. While the phrase is widely applicable, consider alternative phrases like "minimum distance" or "most direct route" for nuanced communication, and remember that the "shortest distance" isn't always the most practical or desirable option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum distance

Replaces "shortest" with "minimum", emphasizing the least possible distance.

least distance

Replaces "shortest" with its synonym "least".

nearest point

Focuses on identifying the closest location rather than measuring distance.

most direct route

Emphasizes the path taken rather than the numerical distance.

closest proximity

Uses more formal language to refer to nearness.

straightest path

Implies a route that avoids deviations.

quickest path

Shifts the focus from distance to the time taken to travel.

most immediate route

Focuses on the route that can be taken without delay.

optimal route

Highlights the most efficient way to travel, considering factors beyond just distance.

most concise route

Emphasizes brevity in terms of steps or instructions.

FAQs

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

You can use "shortest distance" to describe the most direct route between two points. For example, "The GPS calculates the "shortest distance" between your current location and your destination."

What's a synonym for "shortest distance"?

Synonyms for "shortest distance" include "minimum distance", "nearest point", or "most direct route".

When should I not use "shortest distance"?

Don't use "shortest distance" if factors like safety, cost, or convenience are more important than physical length. In those cases, consider using terms like "best route" or "most practical path".

What is the difference between "shortest distance" and "fastest route"?

The "shortest distance" refers to the most direct physical path, while the "fastest route" considers speed limits, traffic, and other factors that affect travel time. The shortest distance isn't always the fastest.