substantial distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or considerable amount of space between two points or objects. Example: "The hikers traveled a substantial distance before they decided to set up camp for the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

General

Academic

Professional

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a substantial distance from the Baltimore-Washington area," Angelos said.

The New York Times - Sports

When I finally got it semi-right, I was flailing too much to cover any substantial distance.

The New York Times

Offshore structures are often founded on long, slender piles that extend for a substantial distance above the ground surface.

Ocean Engineering

So, many generals prefer to keep a substantial distance from that line — to keep the prospect of a constitutional crisis from even remotely arising.

The New York Times

In Sunday's shooting, the police said, a shell casing was found a substantial distance from where the victim was shot, suggesting that he was not an intended target.

The New York Times

They also bring into sharp relief the substantial distance between the limited legislative reforms currently being considered by Congress and the deeper reforms that are actually needed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The report, in fact, puts a substantial distance between the administration and companies that produce or, like automakers, depend on fossil fuels.

The New York Times

Unlike Citi Field and the National Tennis Center, a soccer stadium in the middle of the park would sit a substantial distance from subways and trains.

The New York Times

In a speech three weeks earlier, Summers had put it this way: "We were at the brink of catastrophe at the beginning of the year, but we have walked some substantial distance back from the abyss".

The New Yorker

"While these forces may be moving only one or two kilometers in a given day, that is a substantial distance, based on how much they're moving up or down".

The New York Times

Overall, the wind projects opposed by the trust – some of which are large farms substantial distance offshore – offer the prospect of several hundred times as much energy as it could conceivably generate from other technologies on its own land.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial distance", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to physical distance, metaphorical distance (like a difference in opinions), or a more abstract separation. This will prevent ambiguity and enhance clarity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial distance" when a more precise measurement is required. While "substantial" indicates significance, it lacks the specificity needed in contexts demanding exact figures. Instead, provide a quantifiable measurement if available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial distance" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig examples show it describing a quantifiable measure and relative position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantial distance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as Ludwig AI confirms. It is used to describe a significant separation or gap, either physically or metaphorically. The phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reports to scientific articles, making it a versatile choice for writers. While alternatives like "considerable distance" and "significant distance" exist, "substantial distance" offers a clear and professional way to convey the idea of a noteworthy separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Considerable distance

This alternative uses a different adjective to convey a similar meaning of a notable separation.

Significant distance

Replaces "substantial" with "significant", another synonym implying importance and size of the separation.

Sizable separation

Emphasizes the size and extent of the distance or gap.

Large gap

Focuses on the space between two points or ideas, implying a considerable difference.

Considerable remove

Uses a more formal tone, with "remove" implying separation or distance.

Far apart

A simpler, more direct way to express that two things are separated by a significant distance.

A good way off

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is located a considerable distance away.

Long way off

Similar to "a good way off", this emphasizes the length of the distance.

Marked separation

Highlights the distinct difference or space between two things.

Notable interval

Uses "interval" to specify the measurable distance or time between two points.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial distance" to describe a significant separation between two points, objects, or ideas. For example: "The new office is a "substantial distance" from the train station." or "There's a "substantial distance" between their opinions on the matter".

What are some alternatives to "substantial distance"?

Some alternatives to "substantial distance" include "considerable distance", "significant distance", or "large gap". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "substantial distance" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantial distance" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a significant separation. However, consider providing a precise measurement if the context requires it.

What's the difference between "substantial distance" and "considerable distance"?

While "substantial" and "considerable" are synonyms, "substantial distance" often implies that the separation is important or noteworthy, whereas "considerable distance" simply indicates that the separation is significant.