within spitting distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within spitting distance" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that two things are very close to each other. For example, you could say, "The two houses were within spitting distance of each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we are within spitting distance".

The Guardian - Sport

For Matt McCabe, that goal was within spitting distance.

The New York Times

He saw that the Pentagon was within spitting distance.

The Washington Post

NOT all basketball fans live within spitting distance of their favorite team.

The New York Times

Those who could not afford to live within spitting distance had to go elsewhere.

The Economist

Combined, the two parties would be within spitting distance of the PS.

The Economist

Albanian Islam is broad-based and tolerant, with Tirana's Catholic and Orthodox churches within spitting distance of the city's mosque.

The Guardian - Travel

It's an apt name for the remarkable new facility taking shape within spitting distance of the Infinite Corridor.

MIT Technology Review

The Wharf is home to three venues within spitting distance of one another, and I've caught several concerts at each.

The Washington Post

The MIT scientists are all serious people and perhaps they are within spitting distance of one of science's holy grails.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mainz 05's excellent 2-1 over Nürnberg lifted them to within spitting distance of the European places.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "within spitting distance" to vividly convey that two places or things are very close to each other, adding a touch of informal color to your writing.

Common error

While "within spitting distance" is widely understood, it's generally best to avoid using it in formal documents or professional communications. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "nearby" or "in close proximity" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within spitting distance" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate proximity or nearness. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within spitting distance" is a common and vivid way to describe nearness, as Ludwig AI confirms. While grammatically sound and widely used, it's best suited for informal and neutral contexts. When formality is key, consider alternatives like "nearby" or "in close proximity". The frequent appearance of the phrase in news and media outlets showcases its accessibility and descriptive power in everyday language. Remember to use this expression thoughtfully, keeping your audience and purpose in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stone's throw away

A common idiom that, like the original phrase, uses a physical analogy to express closeness.

a short hop away

Suggests a small distance that can be easily traversed.

just around the corner

Implies a short distance, often suggesting ease of access.

in close proximity

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more formal and literal description of nearness.

in touching distance

Emphasizes the closeness to the point of almost being able to physically touch something.

in the immediate vicinity

A more formal and precise way of indicating that something is very nearby.

close by

Similar to 'nearby' but can imply a slightly greater sense of intimacy or connection.

nearby

A simple and direct way to state that something is not far away.

in the neighborhood

Indicates a general area rather than a precise distance, implying that something is relatively close.

easily accessible

Focuses on the ease of reaching a location rather than just its distance.

FAQs

How can I use "within spitting distance" in a sentence?

You can use "within spitting distance" to describe the proximity of two locations or objects. For example: "The new café is "within spitting distance" of the library."

What does "within spitting distance" mean?

The phrase "within spitting distance" means that something is very close by or nearby, figuratively suggesting the distance one could spit. It's an informal way to describe proximity.

What are some alternatives to "within spitting distance"?

Some alternatives to "within spitting distance" include "nearby", "close by", "a stone's throw away", or "in close proximity".

Is it appropriate to use "within spitting distance" in formal writing?

No, "within spitting distance" is generally considered an informal expression. In formal writing, it's better to use more neutral and professional alternatives like "nearby" or "in close proximity".