a ways off

USAGE SUMMARY

'a ways off' is correct and usable in written English.
It has the same meaning as 'far away' or 'at a distance' and can be used to describe an event, object, or location that is far away in either time or space. For example, "The finish line is still a ways off for us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We're still a ways off," Mr. Mitchell said.

The New York Times

Commercial applications are still a ways off, though.

MIT Technology Review

"So college is a ways off," Ira said, accidentally thinking out loud.

The New Yorker

But that's a ways off too.

TechCrunch

That could be a ways off, depending on uptake.

Forbes

But the next iPads are probably a ways off, anyway.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Success seems a way off yet.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the reversal could be a way off, and slight.

The Economist

But full rehabilitation looks a way off yet.

The New York Times

Such decisions are still a way off, in any case.

The New York Times

Monetization seems a way off yet.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a ways off" to indicate that a goal or event is not imminent, allowing for adjustments in planning or expectations. For example, "The product launch is still a ways off, so we have time to incorporate user feedback."

Common error

Avoid using "a ways off" when something is only slightly delayed or a short distance away. This phrase implies a significant amount of time or space.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a ways off" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is distant, either in time or space. Ludwig's examples confirm that it describes the distance of an event, object, or goal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a ways off" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates distance, either in time or space. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to set expectations by implying that something is not imminent. It's commonly found in news and media, and can be used in both neutral and informal contexts. While it shares a similar meaning with phrases like "far away", "in the distant future", or "not close", "a ways off" often carries a subtle nuance of anticipation or planning. Make sure to use it when something is significantly distant rather than for minor delays or short distances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far away

Emphasizes the distance, spatially or temporally, but is more general.

not in the immediate future

Explicitly states that something will happen later, not now.

not close

A simpler, more direct way to express that something is not near.

at a distance

More formal way of saying 'far away' and can apply to both physical and abstract concepts.

in the distant future

Specifically refers to a point in time that is not near.

not within reach

Highlights the unattainability or difficulty in achieving something.

down the road

An idiomatic expression for something in the future, but it implies more certainty.

some time off

Focuses on the time aspect of being distant, less on physical distance.

in the offing

Indicates something is likely to happen in the future, though not immediately.

on the horizon

Similar to 'in the offing' but suggests something anticipated.

FAQs

How can I use "a ways off" in a sentence?

You can use "a ways off" to describe something that is distant in time or space. For example, "Retirement is still "a ways off" for me", or "The next town is "a ways off", so we should fill up the gas tank."

What's the difference between "a ways off" and "far away"?

"Far away" is a more general term to describe distance, whereas "a ways off" often implies a sense of anticipation or planning. While "far away" simply states distance, "a ways off" can also suggest there's time to prepare or adjust expectations. "The deadline is still "a ways off"" suggests there's time to work, while "The deadline is "far away"" is simply a statement of fact.

Which is correct, "a ways off" or "a way off"?

Both "a ways off" and "a way off" are used, but "a ways off" is more common, particularly in American English. However, "a way off" is also acceptable, especially when you want to emphasise the distance. Examples from Ludwig shown that both version are acceptable.

What can I say instead of "a ways off"?

You can use alternatives like "far away", "in the distant future", or "not close" depending on the context. Each of these options provides a similar meaning while altering the emphasis slightly.