variable distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "variable distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where the distance between two points can change or is not fixed, such as in mathematics, physics, or discussions about measurements. Example: "The satellite orbits the planet at a variable distance, depending on its current trajectory."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You walk through a tunnel beneath the road on to the path that takes you around the stones at a variable distance - sometimes close enough to make out carvings, at other times so far away the monument is a silhouette.

The Guardian - Arts

The body of the penis extends a variable distance beyond the body of the mammal, in contrast to the short genital tubercle of reptiles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The skin over the penis is thin and loosely adherent and at the neck is folded forward over the glans for a variable distance to form the prepuce or foreskin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Deflection was measured using Linear Variable Distance Transducers (LVDT).

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

It uses a variable distance radius to home in on a restaurant in a dense city, or a whole school in the suburbs.

TechCrunch

This indicates careful selection of threshold γ to differentiate jamming from false detection for variable distance.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

What they couldn't do, was give precise indoor location; proximity was more of an on/off flag, with variable distance, rather than a pinpoint measurement system, which Indoor Location can actually provide.

TechCrunch

Participants were deprived of vision for a variable distance to a target located at the end of a straight lane.

European Transport Research Review

The atmospheric pressure plasma jet is placed in a pre-chamber in front of the orifice at a variable distance.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

Urban developments and road networks extend their impacts on the surrounding habitats along a variable distance, affecting birds living in natural environments.

Biological Conservation

The balancing system consists of two drums at a variable distance from the disk and free balls (or rollers) inside the disk.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experiments or models, use "variable distance" to indicate that the distance between elements is not fixed, adding flexibility and adaptability to your designs.

Common error

Avoid using "variable distance" when you actually mean the average or mean distance. "Variable distance" emphasizes the changing nature of the distance, not a single representative value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "variable distance" functions as a noun phrase, where 'variable' acts as an adjective modifying 'distance'. It describes a distance that is not fixed but can change or differ. Ludwig provides numerous examples from diverse fields illustrating its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "variable distance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly within scientific, technical, and news-related contexts. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides a wide array of examples showcasing its application in diverse scenarios. When employing this phrase, ensure the context genuinely involves a distance that changes, rather than a static or average measurement. Alternatives like "changing distance" or "varying distance" may offer a more nuanced expression depending on the specific context. "Variable distance" accurately describes a distance that is not fixed and finds extensive use across various disciplines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changing distance

Emphasizes the act of changing, suggesting a dynamic distance.

varying distance

Similar to "variable distance", but uses a different synonym for 'variable'.

fluctuating distance

Highlights irregular variations in distance.

adjustable distance

Focuses on the ability to adjust or set the distance.

inconsistent distance

Implies a lack of uniformity or predictability in the distance.

uneven distance

Suggests that the distance is not uniform or level.

irregular distance

Indicates that the distance does not follow a pattern.

differential distance

Highlights the difference in distance compared to a norm or other distances.

scalable distance

Suggests that the distance can be proportionally increased or decreased.

divergent distance

Indicates a distance that is moving apart or separating.

FAQs

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

You can use "variable distance" to describe scenarios where the distance between two objects or points is not constant. For example: "The sensor measures the object's proximity using a system of "variable distance" calculations."

What are some alternatives to "variable distance"?

Alternatives include "changing distance", "varying distance", or "fluctuating distance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "variable distance" grammatically correct?

Yes, "variable distance" is grammatically correct as it uses an adjective ("variable") to modify a noun ("distance"). It is frequently used in technical and scientific contexts.

What is the difference between "variable distance" and "average distance"?

"Variable distance" refers to a distance that changes, while "average distance" refers to a single calculated value that represents the typical distance over a range of measurements or instances.