a certain distance vs a certain distances

The correct phrase is 'a certain distance.' The word 'distance' is a singular noun in this context and should not be pluralized. It is commonly used in English to refer to an unspecified or specific distance.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1448 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"a certain distance"

This phrase is used to refer to an unspecified or specific distance without indicating a particular measurement.

Examples:

He stopped at a certain distance from the building.
She could see the shore at a certain distance.
The car was parked at a certain distance from the curb.

Show examples from the web [+]

Maybe the leprechaun won't go past a certain distance from its cave...
Looking at things from a certain distance, giving it the proper weight...
But it does mean that we have the benefit of a certain distance which perhaps gives us a better view of the outcome of these presidencies.
My obligation is to resolve the problems and view the difficulties rather coolly and with a certain distance.
air traffic services related to the approach and departure of aircraft within a certain distance of an airport on the basis of operational requirements;
The porters could only take him a certain distance.
Article modified to make it clear that only international traffic covering a certain distance is concerned.
Its range is short, but within a certain distance, it gives off a signal.
I should like to begin by warmly congratulating the rapporteur on this thorough report that certainly invites further reflection to which he will contribute, although from a certain distance.
At the same time I think it is clear that there is still a certain distance in cultural and political terms between Europe and Japan.
If I throw an ordinary object like a tennis ball... I can throw it at a given speed, it will go a certain distance.
If the money moves a certain distance away from the bank, the signal cuts off, causing the dye pack to explode.
As it is not constructed to carry passengers beyond a certain distance from the shore, it cannot be a vessel for the 'transport of persons' on the sea.
Indirect measurement methods where the emission determination takes place at a certain distance from the source; a direct measurement of concentrations and mass stream is not possible.
To be eligible for the scheme, pupils must live beyond a certain distance from their nearest school, although for certain pupils with special needs a door-to-door transport between home and school is normally provided.
whereas the European Council is the strategic policy-making body of the EU and does not interact daily and continuously with the other institutions; whereas it is therefore appropriate that it should have a certain distance from the day-to-day procedures of the Union,
A certain distance north-northeast of here.
Let's figure out how long it takes a racecar to go a certain distance.
Galileio's Law of Falling Bodies calculates the time in which an object will travel a certain distance in complete freefall.
The proposed definition of 'drift net' is as follows: any gillnet held on the sea surface or at a certain distance below it by floating devices, drifting with the current either independently or with the boat to which it may be attached.

Alternatives:

a specific distance
an unspecified distance
a particular distance
a set distance
a fixed distance

This phrase is incorrect in English. 'Distance' should remain singular in this context.

"a certain distances"

Show examples from the web [+]

A certain distance north-northeast of here.
Maybe the leprechaun won't go past a certain distance from its cave...
John has always maintained a certain distance, but this is not like him.
Linn would like me to keep a certain distance from the investigation.
Looking at things from a certain distance, giving it the proper weight...
The porters could only take him a certain distance.
Let's figure out how long it takes a racecar to go a certain distance.
A certain distance should be adapted to the legal proceedings, to avoid any influence on the process.
Article modified to make it clear that only international traffic covering a certain distance is concerned.
Her position as governess at the manor dictates a certain distance between us.
Its range is short, but within a certain distance, it gives off a signal.
I should like to begin by warmly congratulating the rapporteur on this thorough report that certainly invites further reflection to which he will contribute, although from a certain distance.
At the same time I think it is clear that there is still a certain distance in cultural and political terms between Europe and Japan.
But it does mean that we have the benefit of a certain distance which perhaps gives us a better view of the outcome of these presidencies.
The directive must make it mandatory for landfill sites to be located beyond a certain distance from residential areas.
Galileio's Law of Falling Bodies calculates the time in which an object will travel a certain distance in complete freefall.
We still have a certain distance to go together and there will be some hard bargaining when the Council presents its common position.
Essentially the pattern of urbanisation in the new Member States reflects the same phenomena, be it as yet at a certain distance.
My obligation is to resolve the problems and view the difficulties rather coolly and with a certain distance.
This should not be retained, but a certain distance threshold could be used as a guideline, provided that the Member States and regions determine this threshold in line with their current and future capacity.

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a certain distance vs a certain distances