1.   He moved closer, until just a few inches separated them, staring down into her eyes with intent written all over his face.

2.   Extend the feet out and lean back until the rushing snowpack and the back of the cranium are separated by inches.

3.   Just a few inches separated umpire and coach during a lengthy confrontation along the third-base line.

4.   A fungus has created bumps on rink C, which makes a major difference in a sport where half an inch can separate a winner from a loser.