varying distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "varying distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe distances that change or differ from one point to another. Example: "The satellites orbit the planet at varying distances, affecting their communication capabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Because ambient NO2 concentrations are spatially heterogeneous, the degree of measurement error may vary among schools because of varying distance to central site.

Environmental Health Perspectives

In a film trend well-chronicled by the news media this summer, older women -- married ones at varying distance to middle age -- began taking up with the kind of men who could more aptly be called boys.

The New York Times

The theory goes that drivers who might not see your bike might well see your laser alter ego/vanguard, which can be beamed a varying distance ahead of you, depending on how you angle the light on your handlebars.

The Guardian

Figure 11 Performance of MUE as varying distance between eNB and HeNB.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Figure 9 Performance of MUE as varying distance between HeNB and MUE.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The available soft-biometric information in scenarios or varying distance between camera and subject is analyzed here.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Making the power of the interferers vary simulates the potentially varying distances from the interferers in a dense scenario.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Chemical signals secreted by cells can act over varying distances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Factors like prenatal nutrition can influence bone growth, which can set the eyes varying distances apart.

The New Yorker

Calculating results this way takes into account the varying distances birds fly to their home coops.

The New York Times

Usually, however, a scene includes objects at varying distances from the camera.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experiments or observations, use "varying distance" to accurately convey that the spatial separation was not constant and may have influenced the results. Be specific about how the distance varied if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "varying distance" when you intend to communicate the typical or mean separation. "Varying distance" emphasizes the dynamic or non-uniform nature, while "average distance" refers to a calculated central value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "varying distance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an adjective modifying an implicit noun. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it describes a situation where spatial separation changes or differs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

13%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "varying distance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe scenarios where the spatial separation between objects or points changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most common in scientific contexts, but also appears in news media and encyclopedias. When using "varying distance", ensure it accurately reflects that the separation is not constant and consider alternatives like "changing distance" or "variable separation" to provide the most precise description. Be mindful not to confuse it with "average distance" when referring to a mean separation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately incorporate "varying distance" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changing distance

Directly indicates that the distance is in a state of flux, a straightforward alternative.

variable separation

Emphasizes the changeable nature of the space between objects, similar to "varying distance" but uses a different noun.

differing separation

Indicates that there are multiple separations and they are not the same, similar to different distances.

shifting distance

Implies movement or relocation of the distance, suggesting dynamic change.

fluctuating separation

Highlights the oscillation or instability of the separation, implying movement or change over time. Less static than "varying distance".

range of distances

Focuses on the scope or spectrum of possible distances, not necessarily a continuous change.

alternating distance

Suggests a pattern of changes in distance, rather than just a general variation.

uneven spacing

Focuses on the lack of uniformity in the space between multiple objects, rather than a single distance changing.

non-uniform gap

Highlights the inconsistency of the gap or space, suitable when describing physical openings.

irregular interval

Emphasizes the inconsistent nature of the space or time between events, not specifically spatial distance.

FAQs

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

You can use "varying distance" to describe scenarios where the separation between objects or points is not constant. For example: "The study examined the effect of air pollution on schools at "varying distance" from the highway."

What are some alternatives to "varying distance"?

Alternatives include "changing distance", "variable separation", or "range of distances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "varied distance" or "varying distance"?

"Varied distance" implies a distance that has been changed or altered, while "varying distance" suggests a distance that naturally differs or fluctuates. The best choice depends on whether the distance was intentionally manipulated or is inherently diverse.

What is the difference between "varying distance" and "different distances"?

"Varying distance" often suggests a continuous change in separation, while "different distances" simply implies that multiple, distinct separations exist. The former has a sense of gradation or ongoing modification.