a little further

USAGE SUMMARY

'a little further' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about going or traveling a slightly longer distance than has already been mentioned. For example, "The nearest grocery store is two miles away, but there is another one a little further down the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look up and walk a little further.

Independent

On Tuesday, he went a little further.

The New York Times

Perseus is just a little further still.

Cornell University

One could even go a little further.

The New York Times

A little further on is a checkpoint.

The Guardian

"There's probably a little further drop coming.

The New York Times

Some Republicans went back a little further.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Each day I sink a little further".

The Guardian - Books

"I think it's a little further off.

The New York Times

First, let's go back a little further.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'd like to go a little further.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing directions, use "a little further" to give a sense of the approximate additional distance without being overly precise. For example, "The restaurant is just a little further down the street."

Common error

Avoid using "a little further" when the actual distance is significant. This can mislead the listener or reader. Instead, quantify the distance more accurately or use phrases like "much further" or "considerably further".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little further" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb of motion or a verb implying progression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a slight increase in distance, degree, or extent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

29%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little further" is a common and versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a slight increase in distance, degree, or extent. As Ludwig AI verifies, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be effectively employed in various contexts, from providing directions to describing abstract concepts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both informal and moderately formal communication. While highly frequent in News & Media and Academia, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring that the implied distance or degree is not misleading. Remember that you can find real-world examples and related phrases on Ludwig to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly beyond

Indicates a position or state that is just past a certain point, focusing on spatial or metaphorical distance.

a bit more distant

Emphasizes the aspect of distance being increased by a small amount.

somewhat ahead

Highlights being in front, either literally in space or figuratively in progress, by a small margin.

just a step onward

Implies minimal progression or advancement in a forward direction.

a shade farther

Uses "shade" to denote a slight increment in distance or extent.

marginally more advanced

Highlights a small degree of progress or development.

slightly more remote

Focuses on a small increase in remoteness or inaccessibility.

a hair's breadth away

Uses a vivid image to convey nearness while still being distinct from the current point.

inches ahead

Highlights a small lead or advancement.

a tad beyond

Uses "tad" to denote a small increment in distance or extent.

FAQs

How can I use "a little further" in a sentence?

You can use "a little further" to indicate a short distance, either literally in terms of physical space or figuratively in terms of progress or degree. For example, "Walk "a little further" and you'll see the store" or "We need to analyze the data "a little further" to draw accurate conclusions."

What's a more formal alternative to "a little further"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "slightly beyond", "somewhat ahead", or "marginally more advanced" as alternatives to "a little further". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a more professional tone.

Is it always necessary to quantify "a little further"?

No, it's not always necessary. The phrase "a little further" often implies a relatively short or manageable distance or degree. However, if precision is crucial, it's better to provide a specific measurement or estimate.

Can "a little further" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "a little further" can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts such as progress, understanding, or development. For example, "We need to explore this idea "a little further" to grasp its implications."