a distant country

USAGE SUMMARY

'a distant country' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a place that is far away, or that is unfamiliar and strange. For example: "The explorer ventured to a distant country searching for new discoveries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

It is easy to discern ourselves, now, as well as a distant country in the 1970s.

The Guardian - Books

Moving a new pet to a distant country is trickier than passing it on to colleagues.

Nature

"I wondered how the people of a distant country could be more important than us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How many of our sons and daughters will die young in a distant country?

The New York Times

It was good to think that, in a distant country, he had a friend who remembered him.

The New Yorker

In some versions of the story Layla dies in a distant country, and he pines away in grief.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

My friend works in the tech sector and responds to poetry much like the way one might react to a strange magician from a distant country--with both suspicion and confusion.

Huffington Post

Our group of fewer than 25 people are ushered up in lifts, then invited to help ourselves to wine and chocolates as we observe Menzies' unnamed traveller recall his long night of the soul during a bout of fever in a hotel in a poor, distant country where dissidence and revolution are being crushed.

The Guardian

Using a proxy server anyone can bounce their activity off a system that is either in a far distant country, or keeps no records of where the activity originated, or worse still, both.

BBC

Once again we are at war in a small, distant country whose people and customs we do not understand.

The New York Times

Mr Director-General, Honourable Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, With all the modesty of a person coming from a small and distant country called Chile, part of the so-called developing world, I felt it was my duty, on this solemn occasion and in response to the generous invitation of Director-General Jacques Diouf, to expound my thoughts to you in all frankness.

FAO

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a distant country", consider the connotations you wish to evoke. It can imply not only geographical distance but also cultural unfamiliarity or a lack of relevance to the speaker's immediate context.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant country" when a more specific geographical location would provide clarity and context. Generalizations can perpetuate stereotypes and lack informative value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant country" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "country". It specifies the characteristic of being geographically or culturally remote, as demonstrated by the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a distant country" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a nation that is geographically or culturally remote. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, though most frequently found in news and media. While simple and direct, the phrase carries implications beyond mere distance, often suggesting unfamiliarity or a lack of immediate relevance. When using "a distant country", be mindful of these connotations and consider whether a more specific geographical reference would enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "a faraway land" or "a remote nation" offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A faraway land

Emphasizes the remoteness and potential exoticism of the location.

A remote nation

Highlights the isolation and potential lack of connection to other countries.

A far-off country

Stresses the great distance involved.

A foreign land

Focuses on the unfamiliar and different nature of the country.

An alien nation

Implies a sense of otherness and potential incompatibility.

A faraway place

Broadens the scope to include any remote location, not just countries.

A distant region

Highlights a part of the world that may be geographically or culturally far away.

A remote territory

Suggests a land that is controlled by other countries, or in an uncivilized location.

An isolated country

Focuses on the lack of contact and interaction with the rest of the world.

A land far away

Emphasizes distance as the primary characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "a distant country" in a sentence?

You can use "a distant country" to refer to a place that is far away or culturally unfamiliar. For example, "The explorer ventured into "a distant country" seeking new discoveries".

What are some alternatives to "a distant country"?

Alternatives include "a faraway land", "a remote nation", or "a foreign land", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a distant country" or "a remote country"?

Both phrases are valid, but "distant" emphasizes geographical separation, while "remote" suggests isolation or inaccessibility. The better choice depends on the specific context.

What implications does the phrase "a distant country" carry?

The phrase "a distant country" can imply not only physical distance but also cultural unfamiliarity, lack of immediate relevance, or even a sense of otherness. The specific implications depend on the context in which it is used.