a distant second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distant second" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where one option or competitor is significantly behind another in terms of performance or ranking. Example: "In the race for the championship, Team A finished first, with Team B coming in a distant second."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's a distant second, though.

The New York Times

Conservatives a distant second.

The Guardian

Mr. Paul came in a distant second.

The New York Times

(Ms. Rice finished a distant second).

The New York Times

The Communists finished a distant second.

The Economist

Pittsburgh, at 10.4, is a distant second.

The New York Times - Sports

Nebraska is a distant second.

The New York Times - Health

(Arabic is a distant second).

The New York Times

"Valuation is a distant second".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They finished a distant third.

The New York Times

Stanford was a distant fourth.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distant second" to clearly indicate a significant difference in ranking or performance where the leader is far ahead of the next competitor. It's more impactful than simply saying 'second place'.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant second" when the margin between the leader and the follower is relatively small or insignificant. The phrase implies a substantial gap; if the difference is minimal, opt for a more neutral term like 'second place'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant second" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (often implied), indicating the relative position of something in a ranking or competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distant second" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight a significant gap between the leader and the second-place entity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in various writing contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media sources, and while it can be adapted for formal writing, it carries a slightly less formal tone than simply stating "second place". When using this phrase, ensure that the gap is indeed substantial to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long way behind

Emphasizes the significant gap in distance or score.

far behind the leader

Highlights the context of a competition or race.

well behind the frontrunner

Similar to 'far behind', but with a more formal tone.

considerably behind

Focuses on the measurable difference in performance.

trailing by a large margin

Emphasizes the size of the gap.

significantly behind

Indicates a notable difference in position or score.

a distant runner-up

Specifically used when referring to the second-place finisher.

in a clear second place, but far from first

Specifies the position while reinforcing the gap.

nowhere near the top spot

Suggests a lack of competitiveness.

lagging far behind

Emphasizes the act of falling behind.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distant second" to describe a situation where something or someone is clearly behind the leader, for example: "In terms of market share, company A is first, with company B "a distant second"".

What are some alternatives to "a distant second"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "far behind", "well behind", or "trailing by a large margin" to express a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a distant second"?

It's best to use "a distant second" when you want to emphasize that the gap between the first and second positions is substantial and noteworthy. It implies a significant difference in performance or achievement.

Is there a difference in formality between "a distant second" and "second place"?

"Second place" is a neutral term, while "a distant second" carries a stronger connotation. The latter is appropriate when you want to highlight the considerable difference in performance or ranking and may be perceived as slightly less formal than simply stating "second place".