the same distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the same distance" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that two or more objects or locations are the exact same distance apart from each other. It can also be used in a figurative sense to mean that two things are similar or equal in some way. Example: "The two trees were planted at the same distance from the house." (literal use) Example: "Although they came from different backgrounds, they were both struggling with the same distance of being away from their families." (figurative use).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We still cover the same distance, though".

The New York Times - Sports

Shift all labels by the same distance in data coordinates.

Harvard University

Shift all colorbars by the same distance in data coordinates.

Harvard University

Shift all points by the same distance in data coordinates.

Harvard University

Shift all regions by the same distance in data coordinates.

Harvard University

Shift all lines by the same distance in data coordinates.

Harvard University

(c) remain the same distance from each other?

The Guardian

The same distance is 11.9 cm in Iberodactylus andreui.

Nature

About the same distance as "insane" from "stark raving".

The New Yorker

That is the same distance as the arena in Newark.

The New York Times

Then they will march the same distance, drumming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the same distance", ensure clarity by specifying the reference points from which the distance is measured. This avoids ambiguity and enhances precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the same distance" when only approximate similarity is intended. Use alternatives like "a similar distance" or "about the same distance" for cases where precision isn't critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the same distance" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a specific measurement or spatial relationship. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it is often used to describe arrangements, comparisons, or geometrical properties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

30%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the same distance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates an identical measurement or spatial separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, including academic, scientific, and news-related content. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the reference points for measurement to avoid ambiguity. While "the same distance" denotes exact equivalence, consider alternatives like "a similar distance" when precision isn't essential. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian commonly employ the phrase, reflecting its broad acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equal distance

Replaces "same" with "equal", emphasizing equivalence in length or separation.

equivalent distance

Uses "equivalent" instead of "same", suggesting functional rather than identical measure.

identical distance

Substitutes "same" with "identical", reinforcing the concept of exact sameness.

uniform distance

Emphasizes consistency in spacing, implying regularity or pattern.

commensurate distance

Suggests a proportional or corresponding measure, fitting appropriately.

equal spacing

Focuses specifically on the spatial arrangement being equal.

equivalent spacing

Similar to “equal spacing” but may refer to spacing of relative importance, rather than physical spacing.

the selfsame distance

Replaces "same" with a more emphatic "selfsame" to stress that is exactly identical.

corresponding distance

Emphasizes the relationship between two distances that mirror each other.

a similar distance

Refers to distances that are close but not necessarily exactly equal.

FAQs

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

Use "the same distance" to indicate that two or more objects or locations are equidistant. For example, "The trees were planted at "the same distance" from the house".

What phrases are similar to "the same distance"?

Alternatives include "equal distance", "equivalent distance", or "identical distance", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "exactly the same distance"?

Yes, "exactly the same distance" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the precision of the measurement. It's useful when highlighting the absence of variation.

When should I use "a similar distance" instead of "the same distance"?

Use "a similar distance" when the measurements are close but not precisely equal. "The same distance" implies an exact match, while "a similar distance" acknowledges a slight difference.