a far cry from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a far cry from' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that something is very different from something else. For example: "The outdated computer was a far cry from the new one that just came out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

That's a far cry from thousands.

The Washington Post

A far cry from Richard Wright.

The New York Times - Books

It's a far cry from life before.

The Guardian - Travel

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a far cry from", ensure the comparison is clear and that the reader understands both points of reference. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the impact of the contrast is fully realized.

Common error

Avoid using "a far cry from" when the difference is minor or subtle. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the contrast is substantial and readily apparent.

How to use

Learn how to use "a far cry from" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a far cry from" functions as an idiomatic expression used for contrasting two distinct entities or situations. It indicates a significant difference, implying that the latter is notably different from the former, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a far cry from" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that highlights a significant difference or contrast between two things. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, especially within News & Media. When writing, remember that this phrase is most effective when emphasizing a substantial and noticeable distinction. Related phrases include "worlds apart from" and "nothing like", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. The phrase is suitable for neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Worlds apart from

Emphasizes a significant difference or distance between two things.

A different world from

Highlights that the two things being compared exist in entirely separate realms of experience or characteristics.

Nothing like

A more direct and informal way to express that something is very different.

A far remove from

Implies a greater distance or progression away from something.

Bear little resemblance to

Focuses on the lack of similarity in appearance or nature.

Quite the opposite of

Highlights a direct contrast or opposition.

The antithesis of

Suggests a complete and fundamental opposition.

A departure from

Focuses on the act of moving away or diverging from something.

A sea change from

Suggests a substantial and transformative difference.

Unlike anything else

Emphasizes the unique and distinct nature of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a far cry from" to emphasize a significant difference between two things. For example, "The small village is "a far cry from" the bustling city."

What does "a far cry from" mean?

The phrase "a far cry from" means that something is very different from something else. It highlights a notable contrast.

What are some alternatives to "a far cry from"?

You can use alternatives such as "worlds apart from", "nothing like", or "bears little resemblance to" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a far cry from" or "very different from"?

"A far cry from" adds more emphasis and color to your writing compared to the more neutral "very different from". Choose "a far cry from" when you want to highlight a striking contrast.