within a block of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within a block of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate proximity or distance, often in relation to a specific location or landmark. Example: "The coffee shop is located within a block of the main library, making it a convenient stop for students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Both are within a block of ground zero.

The New York Times

Within a block of Hemsin are several other possibilities.

The New York Times - Food

They lived within a block of the imposing house of Barnie's younger brother, George Chaffee.

The New Yorker

They can set up shop within a block of any blue.

The New York Times

Three bus routes have stops within a block of the apartment.

The New York Times

Among people within a block of a body of water, 46 percent had no flood insurance.

The New York Times

The fires and riotscame within a block of the building where the Obama transition set up shop.

The New York Times

More than 650 search areas within a block of 60 sq km were identified by the police.

The Guardian

At the exit, the voice guided me off and to within a block of my friend's house.

The New York Times - Travel

Right here in Dayton within a block of my hotel are two better exponents of evolution than little Scopes.

The New Yorker

People keep chickens, in Berkeley-there are two very loud henhouses within a block of my house.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing directions or describing locations, use "within a block of" to give a clear sense of proximity that is more precise than "nearby" but less exact than a specific address.

Common error

Avoid using "within a block of" if the location is significantly further away. It can mislead readers if the actual distance is several blocks, making the destination seem closer than it is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within a block of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating the proximity or closeness of something to a specific location. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which affirms its correct usage. Examples show it describing distances in real-world locations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within a block of" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is located very close to another place. Ludwig AI confirms the appropriateness of the phrase. It is most frequently used in news and media, but also appears in scientific and academic contexts. While it's useful for providing a relatively precise sense of distance, avoid exaggerating the proximity. Alternatives such as "nearby" or "in close proximity to" can be used depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearby

A general term indicating close proximity; less specific about the distance.

in close proximity to

A more formal way of saying nearby, emphasizing nearness.

just around the corner from

Suggests very close proximity, often implying easy accessibility.

a short distance from

Indicates a relatively small separation in space.

a stone's throw from

An informal idiom meaning very close by.

in the vicinity of

Indicates the general area; less precise than "within a block of".

a hop, skip, and a jump from

An informal and playful way to suggest very close proximity.

within walking distance of

Implies that the location is close enough to reach on foot.

in the neighborhood of

Similar to "in the vicinity of", suggesting the general area.

within easy reach of

Indicates that the location is not only close but also easily accessible.

FAQs

How can I use "within a block of" in a sentence?

Use "within a block of" to indicate that something is very close to a particular location. For example, "The new cafe is located within a block of the central library."

What can I say instead of "within a block of"?

You can use alternatives like "nearby", "in close proximity to", or "just around the corner from" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "near to" or "within a block of"?

"Near to" is a general term for proximity, while "within a block of" provides a more specific sense of distance. Use "within a block of" when you want to emphasize the very close location.

Which is correct, "within a block of" or "within the block of"?

"Within a block of" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Within the block of" might be used in specific contexts, but "within a block of" is generally preferred to describe proximity.