A far cry from

USAGE SUMMARY

"A far cry from" is correct and can be used in written and spoken English.
It is typically used to mean "very different from" and often appears in the middle or at the beginning of a sentence. For example: "The small village was a far cry from the bustling metropolis I had expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A far cry from the "crossbow cannibal".

The Guardian

A far cry from, "Tnx for wed prez XO Sara".

The New York Times

(A far cry from last week's all-male calendar striptease).

Huffington Post

A far cry from the anticipated 164,000.

Huffington Post

It's a far cry from driving.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's a far cry from perfect".

The New York Times

It's a far cry from Livingstone's experiences.

Independent

That's a far cry from 5.6 billion.

The New York Times

It's a far cry from Angry Birds.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a far cry from today.

The New York Times - Travel

It's a far cry from nursery teas.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A far cry from" to highlight a significant difference or contrast between two situations, objects, or ideas. This phrase is effective when emphasizing the extent of the change or dissimilarity.

Common error

Avoid using "A far cry from" when the difference is minor or subtle. This phrase implies a substantial and noticeable contrast; using it for small differences can sound exaggerated or inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A far cry from" functions as an idiomatic expression used to emphasize a significant difference or contrast between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in both written and spoken English. Examples show its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A far cry from" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that effectively highlights significant differences or contrasts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to emphasize disparities and often to express surprise at the extent of change. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants such a strong emphasis on difference, and consider alternatives like "worlds apart from" or "nothing like" for subtle variations in meaning. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Worlds apart from

Emphasizes a greater degree of dissimilarity or contrast, implying almost no shared characteristics.

Nothing like

Indicates a lack of resemblance or similarity between two things.

Entirely different than

Highlights the complete divergence between two subjects.

A complete contrast to

Focuses on the stark opposition between two things.

Bears no comparison to

Suggests that the two things being compared are so different that comparing them is meaningless.

A different world from

Implies a transformation or a significant change in environment or circumstances.

A universe away from

Exaggerates the dissimilarity, suggesting an immense distance between the two things.

Not in the same league as

Indicates a difference in quality or status, with one being superior to the other.

A departure from

Signifies a deviation or divergence from a standard or norm.

A step away from

Indicates a moderate change or shift from one thing to another.

FAQs

How can I use "A far cry from" in a sentence?

You can use "A far cry from" to emphasize a significant difference between two things. For instance, "The small village was "a far cry from" the bustling metropolis she was used to."

What are some alternatives to "A far cry from"?

Alternatives include "worlds apart from", "nothing like", or "entirely different than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "A far cry from" in formal writing?

Yes, "A far cry from" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, ensure that the context warrants the emphasis on a significant difference.

What's the difference between "A far cry from" and "Slightly different from"?

"A far cry from" indicates a major difference, while "slightly different from" suggests a minor variation. Use "A far cry from" when the contrast is substantial and noticeable.