three blocks away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "three blocks away" is correct and is usable in written English.
You can use it in any sentence where you are trying to convey that something is a certain distance away from something else. For example, "She lives three blocks away from the school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The driver was arrested three blocks away.

The New York Times

"She's going three blocks away.

The New York Times

"At least three blocks away," he says.

The New York Times

And Bloomingdale's is three blocks away.

The New York Times - Travel

The book shop was three blocks away.

The New York Times

He ran two or three blocks away.

The Guardian

The city's main park is only three blocks away.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

(A two-story Barnes & Noble is just three blocks away).

The New York Times

Last month, a man was shot and killed three blocks away.

The Washington Post

The nearest place to eat outside the museum is Cleopatra, a sandwich shop three blocks away.

The New York Times - Arts

Then there was the pharmacy three blocks away, where she might obtain a remedy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "three blocks away" when you want to provide a specific and easily understandable measure of distance in an urban setting. It's particularly useful when giving directions or describing locations.

Common error

Avoid using "three blocks away" when the actual distance is significantly different. This can mislead your audience. Always verify the distance if precision is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "three blocks away" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate distance. It specifies how far something is located, providing a measure of spatial separation, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "three blocks away" is a common and generally neutral way to express distance, especially in urban settings. It functions as an adverbial phrase, providing a clear and specific measure of proximity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle contexts. While not overly formal, it's versatile enough for various communication needs, though consider more precise measurements or general terms for highly formal contexts. The frequency of its use highlights its effectiveness in conveying spatial relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short distance away

Emphasizes the brevity of the distance without specifying the exact number of blocks.

just around the corner

Implies very close proximity, suggesting ease of access.

within walking distance

Focuses on the ability to reach the location by walking, without numerical precision.

nearby

A general term indicating that something is in close proximity.

in close proximity

A more formal way of saying nearby, suitable for professional contexts.

a few minutes away

Expresses distance in terms of time rather than blocks.

not far from here

Indicates that the location is relatively close.

a stone's throw away

An idiomatic expression signifying a very short distance.

in the immediate vicinity

Highlights that the location is in the surrounding area.

within easy reach

Suggests that the location is easily accessible.

FAQs

How can I use "three blocks away" in a sentence?

You can use "three blocks away" to describe the distance between two points in a city. For example, "The restaurant is "three blocks away" from the hotel".

What can I say instead of "three blocks away"?

You can use alternatives like "a short distance away", "just around the corner", or "within walking distance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "three blocks away" or "a short walk"?

The choice depends on the context. "Three blocks away" is more specific, while "a short walk" is less precise but conveys ease of access. Use "three blocks away" when accuracy is important.

Can I use "three blocks away" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "three blocks away" is more common in informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise measurements or general terms like "nearby" or "in close proximity".