a distant utopia

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distant utopia" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idealized future or place that seems far away or unattainable. Example: "Many people dream of a distant utopia where peace and harmony reign, but achieving it requires collective effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To Kelley, California seemed like a distant utopia: one shimmering beach from north to south.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In that distant utopia we would be eating more local and seasonal food, more plants and fewer animals from smaller producers known by their customers and supported, not just for the food they produce, but for their care for soil, wildlife and livestock and the access they offer to the public.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think a lot of that comes in from the relationship that we offhandedly build in that fans and listeners of our band know that we're not in some distant utopia or on some pedestal somewhere; we are working and we are all in this together.

Huffington Post

Other critics have dismissed Modi's smart-cities plan as a 21st-century urban utopia, as a distant Neverland and Orwellian.

The Guardian

In his grim 1979 novel, "Jem: The Making of a Utopia," high-minded colonists to a distant planet end up making the same mistakes that have already doomed civilization on Earth.

The New York Times - Books

"The idea was to copy a colonial book of a Belgian administrator working in the jungle or in a distant office in Belgium, designing the plan for a Belgian utopia in Central Africa," de Keyzer explained.

The New Yorker

A rickety farm gate opening on to a muddy track that heads up a windswept hillside towards a distant stand of pines might not look like the entrance to a new utopia.

Independent

A distant foghorn blows.

The New Yorker

A distant siren cried.

The New Yorker

"Microsoft is a distant, distant no.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They finished a distant third.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distant utopia" to evoke a sense of longing or idealism for a perfect, yet potentially unattainable, future or place.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant utopia" in contexts that require grounded, practical solutions. The phrase is better suited for philosophical or aspirational discussions, not for immediate problem-solving scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant utopia" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "distant" modifies the noun "utopia". It describes a specific type of utopia characterized by its remoteness or unlikelihood of being realized. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a distant utopia" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an idealized vision that is currently out of reach, and according to Ludwig AI is appropriate in written English. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, especially in news and media, with some usage in science and formal business writing. While its frequency is rare, understanding its nuances can add depth and aspiration to your writing. Consider alternatives like "a faraway paradise" or "an unattainable ideal" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a faraway paradise

Emphasizes the remoteness and idealized nature, similar to "a distant utopia".

an unattainable ideal

Focuses on the impossibility of reaching the perfect state.

a remote paradise

Highlights the physical or metaphorical distance of the ideal place.

a future dream

Shifts the focus to a desired future state that may be difficult to achieve.

an elusive Eden

Implies that the perfect place is hard to find or capture.

a far-off dreamland

Uses a more whimsical term for an ideal place, emphasizing its distance.

a receding hope

Focuses on the diminishing possibility of achieving the desired state.

a longed-for haven

Expresses a strong desire for a place of safety and perfection, emphasizing its remoteness.

a theoretical paradise

Highlights the abstract or speculative nature of the ideal place.

a hypothetical sanctuary

Focuses on the conditional or imagined existence of the ideal refuge.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distant utopia" to describe an ideal future or place that seems far off or unattainable, as in, "Many envision "a distant utopia" where technology solves all our problems".

What's the difference between "a distant utopia" and "a realistic goal"?

"A distant utopia" suggests an idealized and perhaps unachievable state, while "a realistic goal" implies something practical and attainable within a reasonable timeframe.

Which is a more suitable phrase, "a distant utopia" or "a practical solution" in a business plan?

In a business plan, "a practical solution" is generally more suitable, as it conveys actionable steps, while "a distant utopia" might be seen as too idealistic or unrealistic.

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

You can use alternatives like "a faraway paradise", "an unattainable ideal", or "a future dream" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.