a distant nephew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distant nephew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a nephew who is not closely related, often indicating a more distant familial connection. Example: "At the family reunion, I met a distant nephew I had never seen before, the son of my father's cousin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But even if the novel is a baby and the screenplay merely a distant nephew, it's still supposed to be good.

The New Yorker

IF Dr. Dre is the father of West Coast gangster rap, then J. Wells is a distant nephew in the family tree.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Atari Kobayashi (Koyu Rankin), the mayor's distant nephew, proceeds to fly a rickety airplane across the river in search of his beloved dog and sworn protector, Spots (Liev Schreiber), and encounters a scraggly crew right away: Chief (Bryan Cranston, King Bob Balaban, Boss Bill MurrayRexy), REdward Nortonrton) and Duke (Goldblum).

The Washington Post

If you find yourself stumped about what to give that distant nephew come December 25, and are veering towards the usual cash-and-a-card fall back, help may be at hand in the form of a more palatable alternative.

Forbes

He could spot one of his own pigeons in a whirling flock a block or two distant, his nephew said.

The New York Times

His farm manager during the Revolution, a distant relative named Lund Washington, retired in 1785 and was succeeded by a nephew, Maj.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A distant foghorn blows.

The New Yorker

A distant siren cried.

The New Yorker

They finished a distant third.

The New York Times

This is a distant prospect.

The Economist

That seems a distant prospect.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distant nephew" to accurately describe a familial relationship where the connection is not immediate or close. It's useful when clarifying the degree of kinship.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant nephew" when you actually mean the person is emotionally aloof. Instead, focus on their behavior with phrases like “an emotionally detached nephew”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant nephew" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a description to identify a particular relative. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a distant nephew" is a grammatically correct and relatively rare way to describe a nephew with whom one has a less frequent or close relationship. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various writing styles, though most commonly found in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the nature of the relationship and is not confused with emotional detachment. Alternatives like “a remote nephew” or “a far-off nephew” may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distantly related nephew

This alternative maintains the core meaning while being slightly more formal.

a remote nephew

Emphasizes the lack of close connection or frequent contact.

a far-off nephew

Highlights the geographical or emotional distance in the relationship.

a loosely related nephew

Highlights the tenuous nature of the familial connection.

a second cousin once removed

Specifies a more precise degree of familial relation, indicating a connection through cousins.

a relative from my extended family

Indicates a family connection that is not immediate.

a nephew I rarely see

Focuses on the infrequency of encounters, implying a weaker bond.

a member of the family I don't know well

Highlights the lack of familiarity with the family member.

a nephew by marriage

Implies the relation is through marriage, not blood.

a collateral nephew

A more technical term for a relative not in the direct line of descent.

FAQs

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

You might say, "I only see "a distant nephew" at major family gatherings because he lives far away".

What's the difference between "a distant nephew" and "a close nephew"?

"A distant nephew" refers to a relative with whom you have a less frequent or intimate relationship, while "a close nephew" implies a strong and regular connection.

What can I say instead of "a distant nephew" to emphasize geographical separation?

You could use "a far-off nephew" or "a remote nephew" to highlight that they live far away.

Is it appropriate to use "a distant nephew" in formal writing?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing when you need to accurately specify the degree of familial relation. It's a neutral and descriptive term.