Final answer:
The sentence in question is grammatically correct. It is important to remember that when giving directions or describing locations, providing both distance and direction can be crucial for understanding. This concept is not only relevant in real-life situations but also enriches narratives in literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence "I asked him how far it was to the nearest town." is grammatically correct and does not require correction. This sentence properly uses indirect questioning with the word 'how far' to inquire about distance. However, understanding the importance of distance and direction can be critical in various contexts. When providing such information, it's beneficial to include both the magnitude and the direction for clarity. For instance, saying 'Walk about 6 km northeast from my tent' is more informative than just giving the distance as '6 km,' because it also indicates which way to go.
In narrative, this dual concept of distance and direction often plays a crucial role in shaping the experiences of characters and their interactions within their world. Characters might describe a house's size or a journey's length, or a traveler may need precise directions when lost. The completeness of an answer regarding location can greatly influence the outcome of events in both reality and fiction. Thus, the concept of combining distance with direction extends beyond the mechanics of sentence correction into the realm of effective communication.