some distance off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some distance off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is located at a considerable distance away from a specific point or location. Example: "The mountain range was visible in the distance, some distance off from where we stood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"These planes were acquired by the battle group's radar at some distance off; they were followed," he said.

The New York Times

Integrating electronics into everyday clothes is still some distance off, but researchers at Ohio State University have taken an important step: weaving circuits into clothes with enough precision to integrate them with ordinary PCBs.

TechCrunch

And while formal incorporation into standard school curricula is still some distance off, Sherman says, there is no way that environmental health can not be part of the continuing educational narrative, because people everywhere are making the connection between human diseases and environmental factors.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The German dirigible Hindenburg, due in Lakehurst, New Jersey, tomorrow, was reported to be fighting its way through furious gales some distance off the Newfoundland coast.

The New York Times

As in the predawn raid, the radars appeared to have detected the American attack while it was still some distance off.

The New York Times

The Guts is some distance off the pace of his best novels, such as The Woman Who Walked Into Doors, an impressive act of imaginative sympathy, or, perhaps best of all, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha – a near-perfect recreation of a young boy's mental world.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Particular attention should be paid to optically-bright and UV-bright sources, even if these are some distance off-axis.

Harvard University

It arced high and landed a distance off in the scrub.

The New Yorker

Some unregulated fares, typically short distance off-peak ones, will rise by more than the 6.2% overall average, but the industry is not giving a figure.

BBC

The foreshocks and aftershocks, with epicenters a fair distance off-shore, show relatively minor signals in comparison (but see below).

Earth, Planets and Space

About 11 15 pm the rear fuselage came to the surface a short distance off-shore.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired level of formality. While generally acceptable, more formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "a considerable distance away".

Common error

Avoid using "some distance off" when describing extremely vast distances. The phrase implies a noticeable but not insurmountable separation. For truly remote locations, consider alternatives such as "far removed" or "light-years away".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some distance off" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify location or position. It describes where something is in relation to another point, suggesting a notable separation but not necessarily a great one. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some distance off" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a location or position that is noticeably separated from a reference point, without being extremely far. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While suitable for various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Academic writing, it's essential to consider the context's formality. Alternatives like "a considerable distance away" may be preferred in more formal settings. Remember to avoid using this phrase for extremely vast distances. The phrase appears with uncommon frequency, mostly in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some way off

Similar in meaning, but slightly more vague regarding the exact distance.

far off

A simpler and more direct way to express that something is far away.

a good distance away

Indicates a substantial separation.

a considerable distance away

Emphasizes a notable amount of separation.

a ways away

More informal, indicating a notable but not extreme distance.

at a remove

Highlights separation, potentially emotional or metaphorical, not just physical.

removed from

Indicates separation, often in a non-physical sense.

in the distance

Focuses on visibility from afar.

at a certain range

Specifies that something is within a given radius.

out of reach

Implies beyond physical or metaphorical grasp.

FAQs

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

You can use "some distance off" to describe the location of an object or event relative to another. For example, "The ship was anchored "some distance off" the coast."

What are some alternatives to saying "some distance off"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a considerable distance away", "a ways away", or "far off" as alternatives to "some distance off".

Is it correct to say "a distance off" instead of "some distance off"?

While "a distance off" is grammatically correct, ""some distance off"" is more common and idiomatic, suggesting a notable degree of separation.

What is the difference between "some distance off" and "a short distance off"?

"Some distance off" implies a more significant separation than "a short distance off", which indicates something is nearby.