small distance

USAGE SUMMARY

"small distance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a relatively short distance between two points. For example, "I only had to drive a small distance to get to my destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A very small distance separated 2-year-old Soribel Batista from death -- a millimeter, no more.

The New York Times

Seeing how those strangers lived over that small distance and in absolute silence moved me deeply.

The New Yorker

It needs less power because the data travel only a small distance to another node.

The Economist

A small distance away, a meticulously scrubbed blackboard had the words "DENTISTE, VENDREDI, 10 A.M". chalked up and ringed round.

The New Yorker

The poles are shaped so that the magnetic field varies greatly in strength over a very small distance (Figure 2).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He's left with the sensation that he has moved from his starting point, even if it's only a small distance, ten or twenty centimeters.

The Guardian - Books

"In those days, residents living near the theatre either had to only walk a small distance or could even stay in their own street to watch a show.

The Guardian

This is attributed to the small distance between parallel SWs.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

All the solid circles are small distance circles.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

At a very small distance it reaches the same strength as the other forces.

BBC

The hinge element consists of two nodes separated by a small distance.

International Journal of Mechanical Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relative positions, specify the objects involved to avoid ambiguity; for example, "The sensor is located a "small distance" from the edge of the device".

Common error

Avoid using "small distance" without providing context or a more specific measurement, as the term is relative and can be interpreted differently by readers. Providing a more quantitative metric enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small distance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent of separation between two points or objects. Ludwig shows its usage in various contexts, often quantifying spatial relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small distance" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase for describing a short spatial separation. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's beneficial to provide further context or specific measurements to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "close proximity" or "short range", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that clarity enhances the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Minimal separation

Indicates a very slight gap between items.

Close proximity

Highlights the nearness or adjacency of two points.

Near vicinity

Stresses the immediate surrounding area.

Touching distance

Implies the items are so near they could almost touch.

Short range

Focuses on the reach or scope being limited.

Close quarters

Suggests a confined or restricted environment.

Tiny gap

Highlights the extremely small nature of the space.

Neighboring area

Emphasizes the adjacency of the locations.

Limited space

Emphasizes the constraint on the amount of room available.

Brief span

Focuses on the shortness of the extent or duration.

FAQs

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

You can use "small distance" to describe a short physical separation between two objects or locations, such as "The store is located a "small distance" from the hotel".

What are some alternatives to using "small distance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "close proximity", "short range", or "near vicinity" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "short distance" or "small distance"?

Both "short distance" and "small distance" are acceptable, but "short distance" tends to emphasize the length, while "small distance" highlights the reduced extent of the space. Choose the term that best fits the intended nuance of your description.

In technical writing, is "small distance" precise enough?

In technical writing, using a more specific measurement (e.g., "a few centimeters", "less than a meter") is preferable to "small distance" when accuracy is important. The latter can be used for generalization, but exact values should be included for reproducibility.