vast distances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast distances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing large physical spaces or the extent of something, often in a geographical or metaphorical context. Example: "The explorers traveled across vast distances to uncover new lands and cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vast distances between properties disguise unpleasant stenches.

The Guardian

There are vast distances between the cities.

The New Yorker

Canada comprises cities separated by vast distances.

The Guardian - Opinion

When Lincoln was rising, vast distances retarded trade.

The New York Times

Inequality and vast distances are the main problem.

The Guardian

He bowls fast and hits the ball vast distances.

The Guardian - Sport

They collect firewood or trek for water across vast distances.

The New York Times - Books

Railroads made it possible to move troops over vast distances.

The New York Times

For those who travel vast distances, there is inadequate accommodation and support services when they arrive.

The Guardian

Space exploration, with its vast distances and time lags, is an exercise in delayed gratification.

The New Yorker

I've been known to travel vast distances just to go snowboarding on great snow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vast distances", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being separated. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "vast distances" when the separation is already implied or obvious. Redundancy can weaken your writing; ensure the adjective adds meaningful emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast distances" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to emphasize the scale or magnitude of spatial separation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vast distances" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to emphasize significant spatial separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears commonly in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, denoting a neutral to formal tone. While alternative phrases like ""great distances"" or ""immense distances"" exist, "vast distances" provides a specific emphasis on scale, adding depth and clarity to writing when used appropriately. Be mindful of avoiding redundancy to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant distances

Emphasizes the importance or noteworthiness of the separation.

large distances

A more general alternative focusing on the magnitude of separation.

extensive distances

Highlights the comprehensiveness or reach of the separation.

great distances

Classic and versatile, emphasizing the size of the separation.

considerable distances

Indicates that the distances are worthy of consideration or attention.

immense distances

Highlights the extreme scale of the separation.

tremendous distances

Stresses the impressive or remarkable size of the separation.

huge distances

Simple and direct, denoting a very big separation.

broad distances

Suggests distances spanning a wide area or scope.

sizeable distances

Implies distances of considerable size or extent.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "vast distances" in a sentence?

Use "vast distances" to emphasize the scale of separation between two points or entities. For example, "The explorers traveled across "great distances"" to reach the new world.

What are some alternatives to "vast distances"?

Alternatives include "great distances", "immense distances", or "considerable distances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a vast distance" instead of "vast distances"?

Yes, "a vast distance" is correct when referring to a singular, large separation. "Vast distances" is used when referring to multiple instances or a general sense of large separations.

What is the difference between "vast distances" and "large distances"?

"Vast distances" implies a greater sense of scale and expansiveness compared to "large distances". "Vast" suggests an almost immeasurable separation.