some distance away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some distance away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a location that is not necessarily close by. For example, "The nearest gas station was some distance away, so we decided to drive a bit further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He lived some distance away.

Stanford University

"But I stood some distance away.

The New Yorker

Lansley is "some distance away" from Cameron.

The Guardian

Dad stood some distance away watching.

The New Yorker

It was still some distance away.

The New York Times

Drusillas is actually some distance away, too".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Perfection is still some distance away.

The New York Times - Food

That's still some distance away, but it's promising.

Yale University

Directly forward of the Maryland, though some distance away.

The New York Times

Her Morris was found abandoned some distance away.

The Guardian - Books

I found a spot some distance away from her.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific terms if the exact distance is relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "some distance away" when a precise measurement is required. For example, instead of saying "The building is some distance away, approximately", provide the accurate distance, like "The building is 200 meters away".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some distance away" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the location or position of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. Its purpose is to add detail about spatial relations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some distance away" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It indicates that something is located at a noticeable separation without specifying the exact measurement, as seen in numerous examples from various sources. It is considered neutral in register and is suitable for different contexts. Its versatility and frequency make it a valuable phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certain distance away

Replaces "some" with "a certain", indicating a specific but undefined separation.

a good way off

Emphasizes that the distance is considerable.

some way off

Similar to "a ways off", but slightly more formal.

a ways off

Uses a more informal idiom to convey the idea of being distant.

relatively far

Emphasizes the comparative aspect of the distance.

at some range

Focuses on the measure of separation in terms of range.

separated by some space

Explicitly states the separation using the word "space".

at a remove

Implies a separation or detachment, often in a figurative sense.

not within close proximity

Formal way of saying not nearby.

at a respectable distance

Indicates a distance that is considered appropriate or safe.

FAQs

How can I use "some distance away" in a sentence?

You can use "some distance away" to indicate that something is located at a noticeable separation. For example: "The town was "some distance away", requiring a long drive".

What phrases are similar to "some distance away"?

Alternatives include "a ways off", "a good way off", or "not nearby". Choose the option that best fits the context and tone of your writing.

Is "some distance away" formal or informal?

"Some distance away" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more precise language is preferred in formal writing where accuracy is crucial.

When should I avoid using "some distance away"?

Avoid using "some distance away" when specific measurements are necessary. In scientific or technical writing, it is better to provide the exact measurement or a more precise description.