a far cry

USAGE SUMMARY

"a far cry" is a commonly used expression in written English.
It is used to refer to something that is very different from another thing, or to emphasize the distance between two things that are very different. Example sentence: The small village in the countryside was a far cry from the bustling city streets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a far cry from driving.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's a far cry from perfect".

The New York Times

It's a far cry from Livingstone's experiences.

Independent

That's a far cry from 5.6 billion.

The New York Times

It's a far cry from Angry Birds.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a far cry from today.

The New York Times - Travel

It's a far cry from nursery teas.

The Guardian - Books

That was a far cry from 1999.

The New York Times

A far cry from the "crossbow cannibal".

The Guardian

It's all a far cry from Bunty.

The Guardian - Books

A far cry, then, from the Nugents.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a far cry", ensure that the elements being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Provide sufficient context to make the contrast understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "a far cry" when the difference is minor or insignificant. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the contrast is substantial and noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a far cry" functions as an idiomatic expression used to emphasize a significant difference or contrast between two things. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is frequently used in written English to highlight a notable disparity. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts to underscore the extent of the difference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a far cry" is a common idiomatic expression used to emphasize a significant difference or contrast between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's most effective when highlighting a substantial disparity. Related phrases include "worlds apart" and "entirely different". Use "a far cry" to underscore the magnitude of change or contrast, ensuring clarity in the elements being compared.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worlds apart

Emphasizes a more significant separation or difference.

entirely different

Highlights the complete dissimilarity between two things.

a world away

Suggests a great distance or difference, often metaphorically.

poles apart

Indicates opposition or extreme difference.

nothing like

Stresses the absence of resemblance between two things.

completely dissimilar

Formally points out a total lack of similarity.

a different ballgame

Emphasizes a change to a new situation that requires a new approach.

not in the same league

Highlights the superiority of one thing over another.

chalk and cheese

Implies an irreconcilable difference in nature or characteristics.

bears no comparison

Indicates that one thing is so superior it cannot be compared to another.

FAQs

How can I use "a far cry" in a sentence?

Use "a far cry" to emphasize a significant difference between two things. For example, "The team's performance this year is "a far cry" from their dismal showing last season".

What phrases are similar to "a far cry"?

Similar phrases include "worlds apart", "entirely different", or "a world away". Each emphasizes a substantial difference or contrast.

Is it appropriate to use "a far cry" in formal writing?

Yes, "a far cry" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its effectiveness depends on the context and the clarity of the comparison being made.

What's the difference between "a far cry" and "slightly different"?

"A far cry" indicates a significant difference, while "slightly different" implies a minor variation. Use "a far cry" when the contrast is substantial and noticeable.