[General] It is a long

[Skrej]

I don't think you read my post #8.

If you did read it, then I'd like to ask if you find it natural (or indeed "extremely common" as you claim) to say:
"The distance from the house to the school is 10 minutes."

Yes, my entire response was to your post #8. Yes, I would say that, as would many others, and indicated by other posters.

Unless, of course somebody had used a linear measurement in their question, then I would answer likewise versus with a time.

Ask me how many miles or blocks it is to someplace, and I'll respond in miles or blocks. As me how far or what the distance is, and I'll likely respond with minutes or hours.

 

[Matthew Wai]

"The distance from the house to the school is 10 minutes."

I think '10 minutes' is a period instead of a distance. Am I wrong? Not a teacher.

 

[tedmc]

Associating distance with travelling time seems to be the norm in the US.
People would tell you how long it takes when you ask them how far it is from one place to another, or the 'number of blocks' in a city.
It is a question of custom rather than language.

 

[Matthew Wai]

I would say 'It takes 10 minutes to go from the house to the school', but I am not a teacher.

 

[MikeNewYork]

But real people rarely say that. The house is 10 minutes from the school.

 

[teechar]

Yes, I would say that

Then you might as well say: "the time is ten kilometers."
:shock:

I repeat, "the distance is 10 minutes" is not natural.

 

[Matthew Wai]

I find it weird to measure a distance in minutes, but I am not a teacher.

 

[Skrej]

Then you might as well say: "the time is ten kilometers."
:shock:

I repeat, "the distance is 10 minutes" is not natural.

In your opinion, from which others obviously differ.

And of course nobody would say "the time is ten kilometers". This is language, not math - the converse doesn't automatically apply.

Does everybody have to use it? No. Should everybody be aware that they may hear it used? Yes.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Teechar, you can object all you want, but the usage will not change.

 

[Matthew Wai]

Is 'to' missing after 'object' above?

 

[emsr2d2]

No.