a distant prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

"a distant prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a future goal or event which is unlikely to happen or be achieved. For example, "Being able to retire early seemed like a distant prospect for Mark, until he received a large inheritance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It would probably require a deal on world trade in agriculture, for instance—a distant prospect.

The Economist

That seems a distant prospect.

Independent

This is a distant prospect.

The Economist

But this is a distant prospect.

The Economist

Homosexual marriages, however, remain a distant prospect.

The Guardian

But peace looks a distant prospect.

The Economist

It's a distant prospect, of course.

Independent

But this looks like a distant prospect.

The Economist

That remains a distant prospect.

The New York Times

That is not such a distant prospect.

The Guardian - Music

Such clarity seems a distant prospect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distant prospect" to express that an event or achievement is unlikely to occur soon or is very far off in the future. This phrase is useful when tempering expectations or discussing long-term goals that require significant effort or change.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant prospect" repeatedly within a short span of text, as it can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "remote possibility" or "unlikely scenario" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant prospect" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for describing something unlikely to happen or achieve in the near future.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distant prospect" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an event or goal that is unlikely to occur soon, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to temper expectations or provide a realistic assessment of future outcomes. While versatile, consider using synonyms like "remote possibility" or "unlikely scenario" to avoid redundancy. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various professional and informative settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remote possibility

Replaces "prospect" with "possibility", emphasizing the low probability of something occurring.

an unlikely scenario

Focuses on the situation being improbable or implausible.

a faint hope

Highlights the minimal level of optimism associated with the prospect.

a far-off chance

Emphasizes the remoteness and improbability of the event.

a pie in the sky

Suggests an unrealistic or fanciful idea.

a long shot

Indicates that the chance of success is very low.

a dim hope

Suggests a lack of clarity or visibility in the likelihood of happening.

beyond the horizon

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate that something is far away and not easily attainable.

out of the question

Indicates that something is not possible or allowed.

a pipe dream

Describes an unrealistic or unattainable goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distant prospect" to describe something that is unlikely to happen soon. For example, "Achieving world peace seems "a distant prospect" given current global conflicts."

What are some alternatives to "a distant prospect"?

Alternatives include "a remote possibility", "an unlikely scenario", or "a long shot". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a distant prospect" is suitable for formal writing, including academic papers and business reports. It is a clear and professional way to express that something is unlikely or far off.

What makes something "a distant prospect" rather than just "difficult"?

While something "difficult" may be achievable with effort, "a distant prospect" suggests that success is unlikely due to significant obstacles or circumstances. It implies a greater degree of remoteness and uncertainty.