a distant nightmare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distant nightmare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that is troubling or frightening but feels far removed or unlikely to happen. Example: "The thought of losing my job during the economic downturn felt like a distant nightmare, something I could push to the back of my mind for now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is but a distant nightmare.

Independent

IT MUST all seem like a distant nightmare now.

The Economist

Polio is now a distant nightmare in the west.

The Guardian - Opinion

As in her earlier work, the fighting in The Stone Carvers is a distant nightmare - a foreign war far from home.

The Guardian - Books

We're able to do precisely the opposite!" Today, while Germania seems like a distant nightmare it still maintains a certain hold on the city.

The Guardian

Perhaps it's because we're in the middle of that strange time of year that's after Easter and before Christmas (or Thanksgiving in the US), when releases are few and far between and pre-holiday crunches are still a distant nightmare.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Poorhouses, they are learning, were not distant nightmares from a Dickens novel but an American commonplace, where the insane were sometimes chained to cell walls and children were hired out as virtual slaves.

The New York Times

By now, those gallons of crème fraîche will be nothing but a distant, high-fat nightmare in the memory of Halle Berry, and all that chanterelle dust is blowing in the wind.

The New Yorker

During the campaign, Barack Obama learned that Dick Cheney is: A) His worst nightmare B) A distant cousin C) Not really a bad guy once you get to know him 6.

The New York Times

Her nightmare began when a distant male cousin, Mohammed Issa, an Afghan Local Police member, started a relationship with a local girl.

The New York Times

As he has shown for both club and country, Michael Bradley's Aston Villa nightmare is now a distant memory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, consider the emotional impact you want to create. It can soften the blow of a potential problem by emphasizing its remoteness.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant nightmare" too frequently in situations that require a more immediate and serious tone. Overuse can diminish the impact of the phrase and may sound flippant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant nightmare" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes something unpleasant or frightening that feels far removed or unlikely to occur, aligning with Ludwig's assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a distant nightmare" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe something unpleasant or frightening that feels unlikely or far removed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of relief by highlighting the remoteness of a potential negative event. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for general discussions. While grammatically correct, consider the specific context and audience when choosing to use the phrase, ensuring that it aligns with the desired level of formality and seriousness. Alternatives like "a remote possibility" or "a fading memory of fear" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remote possibility

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of something negative occurring.

an unlikely catastrophe

Stresses the improbability of a disastrous event.

a fading memory of fear

Highlights the gradual disappearance of a frightening memory.

a bygone terror

Indicates that a source of fear is a thing of the past.

a receding horror

Conveys the idea of a frightening experience becoming less intense over time.

a past tribulation

Refers to a difficult experience that is now over.

a far-off specter

Suggests something frightening that seems unlikely to materialize.

a concern of the past

Indicates that a worry or problem is no longer relevant.

a problem of yesterday

Highlights a problem that has been resolved or is no longer current.

an old fear

Simple and straightforward way to express a fear that's no longer relevant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distant nightmare" to describe a situation or event that feels frightening but is unlikely to occur or is far removed from the present reality. For example, "The possibility of another economic recession seems like "a distant nightmare" now that the economy is recovering."

What can I say instead of "a distant nightmare"?

You can use alternatives like "a remote possibility", "a fading memory of fear", or "a bygone terror" depending on the context.

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

While "a distant nightmare" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for less formal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives that convey a similar meaning with a more serious tone, such as "a remote threat" or "a past crisis".

What's the difference between "a distant nightmare" and "a distant memory"?

"A distant nightmare" refers to something frightening that is unlikely to happen, while "a distant memory" refers to something that happened in the past and is fading from one's recollection. The former focuses on a potential future, the latter on a past experience.