a good ways off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good ways off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a considerable distance or a significant amount of time before something happens. Example: "The store is a good ways off, so we should leave early to make sure we arrive on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But that was the thing — I also knew how to pitch myself a good ways off of that thing.

The New York Times

With all the feints and all the pre-negotiating about potential negotiations, it was easy to forget that even small-scale relief, at the level of the struggling local homeowner, remained a good ways off.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's a good way of letting off steam," Reda Allali, the lead singer Hoba Hoba Spirit, told me of Timitar.

The Guardian - Music

Exercise is a go-to stress reliever and a good way of burning off Cortisol, but I also think that our reliance on technology serves to further our need to always be seen to be on.

Forbes

(Modern Family, for instance, was still a good way off).

The Guardian

Still, the key message from the past couple of days is that such a turnaround in policy remains a good way off.

The New Yorker

At any rate I will not do so at present, for the land where she said I should be quit of all troubles seemed to be still a good way off.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Throughout the first mile, Camelot was settled a good way off what turned out to be a modest pace, and the favourite, who travelled well throughout, then had to edge away from the rail in order to deliver his challenge.

The Guardian - Sport

Crossing first the ditch that ran round the town, they next gained the wall of the enemy unperceived by the sentinels, who did not see them in the darkness, or hear them, as the wind drowned with its roar the noise of their approach; besides which they kept a good way off from each other, that they might not be betrayed by the clash of their weapons.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some officers of the Georgian army make us stop a good way off from the fence.

Vice

We're made to stop a good way off from the fence by the Georgian army.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good ways off", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to physical distance or a point in time.

Common error

Avoid using "a good ways off" in situations where a more direct or common phrase like "far away" or "in the distant future" would be clearer to the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good ways off" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It indicates the extent of distance or time. Ludwig AI validates its usage, indicating that it's a correct expression, even if not as frequent as similar phrases.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good ways off" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is distant in space or time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, although it's less common than alternatives like "a long way off" or "far away". Its usage spans neutral registers, primarily appearing in news and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context makes clear whether you're referring to physical distance or a point in the future, optimizing for clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long way off

This alternative uses 'long' instead of 'good' to emphasize the distance.

far away

This alternative is a more common and direct way to express a significant distance.

off in the distance

This alternative is focused on physical location, it's a synonym of "far away".

in the far distance

This alternative emphasizes the remoteness of the location.

quite distant

This alternative replaces "a good ways" with the adjective 'distant'.

a considerable distance away

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the extent of the distance.

significantly removed

This is a more formal way of expressing considerable distance, whether physical or metaphorical.

in the distant future

This alternative focuses on time rather than physical distance.

some time away

This alternative uses the phrase 'some time' to convey a similar meaning related to future.

not for a while

This alternative is an informal way to indicate that something will happen in the future.

FAQs

What does the phrase "a good ways off" mean?

The phrase "a good ways off" means that something is a considerable distance away, either in terms of physical space or time. It suggests that the destination or event is not nearby or imminent.

Is "a good ways off" the same as "a long way off"?

While both phrases indicate distance, "a long way off" is more common. "A good ways off" is a less frequent but acceptable alternative, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Can I use "a good ways off" to talk about time?

Yes, "a good ways off" can refer to both physical distance and time. For example, "The release date is still "a long way off"" or "a good ways off".

What are some alternatives to "a good ways off"?

Some alternatives include "far away", "distant", "a considerable distance", or "in the distant future", depending on the context.