the less distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the less distance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when referring to two things that are moving closer together or a situation in which the physical or metaphorical distance between two entities is decreasing. For example, "As time went on, the couple found themselves traveling the less distance between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Call it the Zen of driving: the less distance you drive each day, the more you see.

The New York Times - Travel

The less distance the node moves, the less influence on the network connection.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

By contrast, the less distance between the moving object and the observer, the larger visual motion stimulation is perceived on the retina.

ROBOMECH Journal

This was because the less distance would lead to higher intersection angle, and the lower length for the baseline would lead to higher overlapping percentage.

The Journal of Global Positioning Systems

England have to believe they can use strike moves from anywhere on the pitch - but of course the closer to the South Africa try line, the less distance they have to go.

BBC

They might fall during an earthquake and the less distance they have to fall, the better.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The closer the venue, the less distances required to travel and the less energy consumed.

WikiHow

Risk factors included poor housing condition, greater access to piped water inside the home, less distance to the central hospital, and demographics of the heads of households (i.e., older age, female gender).

BMC Infectious Diseases

Obviously, the clockwise moment on the anterior dentition decreases with an increase of the length of the power arm (less distance between the point of action and the center of resistance).

Progress in Orthodontics

Lower efficiency scores corresponded to high number of children, less population, little support from the tabias'chief and less distance to the health post.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Turning to the right on the ground takes less distance than turning left.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the less distance" to create a cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting how reduced separation influences another factor, as shown in the examples from Ludwig.

Common error

Avoid using "the less distance" when you are referring to countable objects. "Less" is for uncountable nouns. For countable nouns, use "fewer". For example, it's incorrect to say "the less cars on the road"; instead, say "the fewer cars on the road".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the less distance" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject of a clause or part of a prepositional phrase. It establishes a relationship where a decrease in separation impacts another element. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the less distance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a reduction in separation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable. This phrase appears in varied contexts, including scientific studies, news reports, and practical guides. It is suitable for various writing styles and serves to establish a relationship where reduced proximity is a key factor. Remember to differentiate it from "fewer" for countable nouns and emphasize its role in creating cause-and-effect connections. The examples provided by Ludwig offer clear illustrations of its effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shorter distance

Focuses on the measurable length rather than the act of lessening.

smaller separation

Emphasizes the space between two points being reduced.

reduced gap

Highlights the narrowing of a gap, either physical or abstract.

decreased interval

More formal, suitable for technical or scientific contexts.

closing proximity

Focuses on the act of coming nearer together.

narrowing space

Implies an active reduction in the available area.

diminished range

Emphasizes a decrease in the scope or extent between two points.

lessened span

Refers to a reduced extent or reach.

abbreviated length

Highlights the shortness of the physical measure.

contracted extent

Focuses on the shrinking or reduction of the area covered.

FAQs

How can I use "the less distance" in a sentence?

Use "the less distance" to describe situations where reducing separation leads to a specific outcome. For example, "The less distance the package has to travel, the lower the shipping cost."

What are some alternatives to "the less distance"?

You can use alternatives like "shorter distance", "smaller separation", or "reduced gap" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "the less distance"?

Yes, "the less distance" is grammatically correct when referring to a reduction in separation, especially when establishing a relationship between proximity and another factor. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

What is the difference between "the less distance" and "the shorter distance"?

"The less distance" implies a process of reduction or a comparative relationship, while "the shorter distance" simply describes a state of being closer or more compact. The former is often used in cause-and-effect scenarios.