Miles away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Miles away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical distance or a metaphorical sense of being emotionally or mentally distant from someone or something. Example: "Even though she was miles away, I could still feel her presence in my heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He camped miles away".

The New Yorker

Ten miles away.

Independent

"But they are miles away".

The New York Times

Town was seven miles away.

The New Yorker

Minneapolis is 200 miles away.

The New York Times

U.S.C. was fifteen miles away".

The New Yorker

He reads from miles away".

The New York Times - Arts

(45 miles away).

The Guardian - Travel

That's 40 miles away.

The Guardian

That's eight miles away".

The Guardian - Music

AE It's miles away.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location's distance, be specific. Instead of just saying something is "miles away", provide a more precise estimate if possible, like "approximately 20 miles away".

Common error

Avoid using "miles away" when describing time. While you can use it for physical distance, it's less appropriate to say "the deadline is miles away" unless you're deliberately using hyperbole. Instead, use "far off" or "a long way off".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Miles away" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a spatial separation or distance. Examples from Ludwig show it describing the distance of towns, objects, or even abstract concepts like opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Miles away" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that effectively conveys physical or metaphorical distance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse sources, especially in News & Media. While appropriate across various registers, writers should be mindful of its applicability, especially when referring to non-spatial concepts or avoiding overusing the phrase in formal contexts. Alternatives like "far away" or "a long distance away" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Far away

Emphasizes distance in a general sense, lacking the specific measurement implied in the original phrase.

A long distance away

Highlights the extent of the separation, focusing on the magnitude of the space involved.

Distant

A more concise way to express separation, often used to describe a physical or emotional gap.

Remote

Suggests isolation and inaccessibility, implying that the location is hard to reach or connect with.

Worlds apart

Expresses a significant difference or separation, often used metaphorically to indicate opposing viewpoints or lifestyles.

In the distance

Focuses on the visibility of something that is far, rather than simply stating its distance.

Out of reach

Highlights the unattainability of something, whether physically or metaphorically.

Off in the distance

Similar to "in the distance", but with a slightly more casual tone.

Over yonder

An informal and somewhat antiquated way of indicating a distant location.

A world away

Similar to "worlds apart", but emphasizing a sense of being in a different place or state.

FAQs

How can I use "Miles away" in a sentence?

You can use "Miles away" to describe physical distance, as in "The nearest gas station is five "miles away"". It can also be used metaphorically to express emotional distance or a large difference, as in "Their opinions are "miles away" from each other".

What are some alternatives to saying "Miles away"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "far away", "a long distance away", or "distant". The best choice depends on whether you're referring to physical or emotional distance.

Is it correct to use "Miles away" in a formal context?

Yes, "Miles away" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for a more precise or descriptive phrase like "a significant distance" or "considerably removed".

What's the difference between "Miles away" and "A world away"?

"Miles away" typically refers to a measurable, physical distance. "A world away" is more often used metaphorically to describe something that is very different, unrelated, or seems impossibly distant in some abstract sense. For example, "Their lifestyle is "a world away" from mine".