a faraway third

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a faraway third" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is distant or remote in a ranking or position, often in a competitive context. Example: "In the race, she finished in a faraway third, well behind the leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For years, he's fantasized about what he calls "The Afterlife," about using the money he made selling his handyman-home repair business — some $700,000 — and taking his family off to a faraway, third world country, where his savings will last them forever, and they can lead the good life.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

(A law professor's 2005 study of "laughter episodes instigated," she notes, suggested that Antonin Scalia was the funniest justice, with Stephen Breyer coming in a faraway second).

The New York Times - Books

He had a faraway smile for a second.

The New York Times

I go down to have a look at him and he's got the most perfect six stitch-marks... .. Thommo pointed to the spot on his own forehead, and paused for a second, a faraway look in his eyes.

The Guardian - Sport

MOSCOW – When you are a major nuclear power and you want to make a secretive deployment to a faraway ally, what is the first thing you do?

The Washington Post

You hear it in Elizabeth Purnell's music, at first no more than a faraway shiver of sound, but building to discordant clamour.

The Guardian

Some may remember the child-like astonishment that came with sending their very first email, connecting instantly with a faraway recipient.

The Guardian - Opinion

First of all, just fighting in a faraway overseas war would not have been popular in and of itself.

Yale University

We are in the fifth year of a tragic, deadly and unnecessary war in a faraway land.

The New York Times

The first of four novels that have been widely published abroad, "A Faraway Island" concludes after Norway has been invaded and Stephie's parents have asked her to help get them visas to Sweden.

The New York Times

To the thousands of Americans who are taking their first soggy steps into Wales for the Ryder Cup this week, this is a faraway country of which they knew little.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a faraway third" when you want to emphasize not just the ranking, but also the significant gap or disconnect from the leading positions, creating a sense of remoteness.

Common error

Avoid using "a faraway third" in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise numerical description of the difference might be more appropriate. Opt for phrases like "significantly behind" or specific metrics if available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a faraway third" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the ordinal number "third". Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, used to describe a ranking or position characterized by significant distance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a faraway third" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon expression used to describe a third-place ranking characterized by a significant distance from the leaders. As noted by Ludwig AI, it conveys a sense of remoteness and separation. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it's crucial to consider the register and opt for more precise language in formal settings. Alternatives like ""a distant third"" may be more frequently used, but "a faraway third" effectively emphasizes the considerable gap between positions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distant third

Replaces "faraway" with "distant", emphasizing the separation in position.

a remote third

Uses "remote" instead of "faraway", highlighting the isolated nature of the position.

well behind in third

Emphasizes the significant gap separating the third position.

significantly behind in third spot

Uses significantly instead of faraway

far behind in third position

Focuses on the trailing aspect of the third-place ranking.

trailing in a distant third place

Combines "trailing" and "distant" to underscore the lag.

a long way back in third place

More descriptive, specifying the considerable distance to the leaders.

lagging in third position

Uses "lagging" to emphasize the slow or delayed progress in relation to others.

a considerable distance behind in third

Highlights the extent of the gap to the leading positions.

far removed from the top two

Shifts the focus to the separation from the leading positions rather than just the third position itself.

FAQs

What does "a faraway third" mean?

The phrase "a faraway third" suggests that someone or something is in third place, but with a significant distance or gap between them and the first and second positions. It emphasizes not just the ranking, but also the considerable separation.

How can I use "a faraway third" in a sentence?

You can use "a faraway third" to describe a ranking where the person or object in third place is considerably behind the leaders. For example, "In the race, she finished in "a distant third", well behind the frontrunners."

What are some alternatives to "a faraway third"?

Alternatives to "a faraway third" include "a distant third", "well behind in third", or "lagging in third position". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a faraway third" a common expression?

While grammatically correct, "a faraway third" is not a particularly common expression. Alternatives like "a distant third" might be more frequently used, depending on the context.