within three blocks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within three blocks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a distance or proximity, often in relation to a location or direction. Example: "The coffee shop is located within three blocks of the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Motor vehicles are forbidden within three blocks.

The New York Times - Sports

The Papa John's will be the fourth pizzeria within three blocks, which worries Mr. Miniaci.

The New York Times

One morning, while on a shopping tour, the daughter was saluted four times within three blocks.

The New Yorker

Do you forget we have both a Gristedes and a Fairway within three blocks of 703?

The New Yorker

"I had five uncles living within three blocks of me and maybe 27 cousins".

The New York Times - Magazine

Within three blocks are about 200 homes sponsored by a citywide coalition of religious congregations under its Nehemiah Houses program.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Whenever Edward Albee is "within two blocks," he visits the Gotham, he said.

The New York Times - Arts

He lived and died within four blocks.

The New York Times

Within two blocks, I spotted Shirley.

The New York Times

There's probably nine restaurants within two blocks of here".

The New York Times

No sex with customers within five blocks of the shelter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing directions or describing locations, use "within three blocks" to give a clear and easily understandable sense of proximity, particularly in urban settings.

Common error

Avoid replacing "within three blocks" with vague terms like "nearby" without providing a clearer point of reference or estimated distance. The specificity of "within three blocks" is more helpful for orientation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within three blocks" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate proximity or distance. It specifies a location's nearness, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within three blocks" is a prepositional phrase commonly used to indicate a short distance or proximity, especially in urban settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, predominantly within News & Media. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives include "in a three-block radius" or "nearby". When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity in directions or location descriptions. Avoid replacing it with vague terms that lack a precise reference point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearby within three blocks

Adds 'nearby' to reinforce closeness.

less than four blocks away

Expresses the same idea using a comparative structure and different numerical limit.

situated within three blocks

Replaces with a more formal 'situated'.

in a three-block radius

Changes the phrasing to emphasize a circular area.

no more than three blocks distant

Replaces "within" with "no more than" and uses "distant" instead of "away".

in the vicinity of three blocks

Uses the term "vicinity" to suggest a general area.

three blocks in proximity

Uses "in proximity" instead of "within".

a short distance of three blocks

Emphasizes the short distance.

close by a three-block range

Focuses on the range and uses 'close by'.

within a few blocks

Replaces the exact number with an indefinite term.

FAQs

How can I use "within three blocks" in a sentence?

Use "within three blocks" to indicate that something is located a short, walkable distance away. For example, "There are several restaurants "within three blocks" of the hotel".

What's a simpler way to say "within three blocks"?

While "within three blocks" is already fairly straightforward, you could say "close by", "nearby", or "a short walk away" depending on the context. For more precision, stick to "within three blocks".

What does "within three blocks" imply about distance?

"Within three blocks" suggests a short, walkable distance, typically less than a quarter of a mile in a city. It implies that the location is easily accessible on foot.

Is it better to say "within three blocks" or "less than three blocks away"?

Both "within three blocks" and "less than three blocks away" are correct. The choice depends on the specific context. "Within three blocks" is more concise and commonly used, while "less than three blocks away" might be used for emphasis.