a distant second to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distant second to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something is significantly less important or successful compared to something else. Example: "In the race for popularity, the new app is a distant second to its competitor." Alternative expressions include "far behind" and "a close second."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fuji is a distant second to Kodak in both categories.

The New York Times

He finished a distant second to Mr. Mondale in Iowa.

The New York Times

Countries and borders came a distant second to the idea of one world.

The Guardian - Opinion

The state is a distant second to Florida for shark attacks in the United States.

The Washington Post

One recent poll put Mr. Kenyatta a distant second to Mr. Kibaki.

The New York Times

But in the state as a whole, Dr. Dean placed a distant second to Mr. Kerry.

The New York Times

Conwood, based in Memphis, is a distant second to UST in the smokeless tobacco business.

The New York Times

At Mr. Peguero's store, computer repairs rank a distant second to the two-way radio business.

The New York Times

The interests of its child-patients are a distant second to their primary interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Democracy comes in a distant second to growth, if at all.

The New York Times

DIY exists in a world where commerce comes a distant second to art.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distant second to" to clearly indicate that something is significantly less important, successful, or prominent than something else. This phrase effectively conveys a notable difference in degree or ranking.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant second to" when the difference is marginal or negligible. This phrase is best reserved for situations where there's a clear and substantial gap between the two items being compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant second to" functions as a comparative expression, indicating that one entity or item is significantly less prominent, successful, or important than another. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to highlight a substantial gap between two things being compared.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distant second to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to illustrate a significant difference in rank or importance. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources, confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. When writing, use this phrase to clearly convey a notable disparity between two items, but avoid using it when the difference is minimal. Consider alternatives like "far behind" or "well behind" to add variety to your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far behind

Indicates a significant gap in performance or status.

well behind

Emphasizes the extent of the lag or difference.

trailing significantly

Focuses on the act of following with a considerable distance.

a clear second

Highlights the secondary position with a sense of clarity.

second-rate

Suggests inferiority in quality or importance.

substantially lower

Indicates a marked decrease in value or quantity.

markedly inferior

Stresses a noticeable lack of quality.

a long way off the pace

Implies a considerable distance from the leading position.

not in the same league

Suggests an unbridgeable gap in ability or status.

lacking considerably

Highlights the deficiency in a specific aspect.

FAQs

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

Use "a distant second to" to show that something is significantly less successful or important than something else. For example, "In terms of market share, company B is "a distant second to" company A".

What are some alternatives to saying "a distant second to"?

You can use alternatives such as "far behind", "well behind", or "trailing significantly" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "a distant second to" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI's analysis of authoritative sources confirms its usage in various professional contexts.

What does it mean when something is described as "a distant second to" something else?

It means that the thing described is considerably less successful, popular, or important than the other. There's a substantial difference between them.