a distance far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distance far" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to describe a significant distance, but the phrasing is awkward and not idiomatic. Example: "We traveled a distance far beyond what we had anticipated."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

This corresponds to a distance far beyond the traditional snow line where Jupiter is thought to have formed.

Britannica

Even more spectacular are species I have termed "nomadic vines," which wander a distance far in excess of their relatively unchanging length.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately for the search for life on exoplanets, this planet was found to orbit its star at a distance far less than that between Mercury and the Sun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(In an instance of comedy reflecting scientific discovery, Monty Python riffed on a strikingly similar idea when they made fun of David Attenborough in a 1974 sketch called "The Walking Tree of Dahomey"). Even more spectacular are species I have termed "nomadic vines," which wander a distance far in excess of their relatively unchanging length.

The New Yorker

The signals can travel 10 or more kilometers from the ship, they note, a distance far beyond the gaze of sentries.

Science Magazine

In a novel feature for the life-sharing apps, the new Path will also automatically post your location ("Arrived") every time you travel a distance far enough to be reached by plane.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

A long distance (far transfer) refers to solving new problems in a new context.

BMC Medical Education

For the 8th Army, the sight of the enemy retreating, albeit only for a short distance, far outweighed the disappointment of failing to cut them off.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Blink permitted almost-instant travel from point to point across a short distance; Far Reach, however, can be both for movement and for essentially lassoing items into Emily's hands.

Vice

The reviewers cited poor braking performance with a stopping distance "far worse than any contemporary car we've tested" and possible distractions caused by the car's unusual touch screen, which supplants almost all dashboard and steering stalk controls such as windshield wipers and air-conditioning circulation.

Los Angeles Times

Crossing the Arctic, the birds pass through many degrees of longitude in a relatively short distance (far shorter, say, than when crossing the United States).

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for more common and grammatically sound alternatives like "a great distance" or "a long distance" to ensure clarity and professionalism in writing.

Common error

Avoid using uncommon or non-idiomatic phrases like "a distance far". While understandable, it may sound awkward to native English speakers. Stick to established expressions for better clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distance far" functions as a descriptive element, aiming to specify the extent of separation. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrasing is not standard English and suggests using alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a distance far" is used to describe a significant separation. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as non-standard English, recommending alternatives like "a great distance" or "a long distance". While found in news, science, and encyclopedia sources, its usage is rare and leans towards informal contexts. For clearer and more professional writing, it's best to opt for the suggested alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great distance

Replaces 'far' with 'great', emphasizing the magnitude of the distance.

a long distance

Uses 'long' instead of 'far', a more common way to describe distance.

a considerable distance

Emphasizes the significant nature of the distance.

a significant distance

Highlights the importance or impact of the distance.

a substantial distance

Indicates a large or noteworthy distance.

far away

A simpler, more direct way to express remoteness.

a remote distance

Highlights the isolated nature of the distance.

distant

A concise adjective describing something that is far off.

at a distance

Emphasizes the separation between two points.

miles away

Specifies the distance in miles, providing a concrete measurement.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a distance far"?

You can use alternatives like "a great distance", "a long distance", or "considerable distance" depending on the context.

Is "a distance far" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "a distance far" is not considered standard English. More common and grammatically correct options include "a great distance" or "a long distance".

When can I use "a distance far"?

It's generally best to avoid "a distance far" in formal writing. If you aim for clarity and standard English, use alternatives such as "a great distance".

What is the difference between "a distance far" and "at a distance"?

"A distance far" attempts to describe the extent of separation, but is not grammatically correct. "At a distance" describes the state of being separated or apart.