a world away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a world away' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean that something is far away, in a distant location, or completely different than it is. For example, "The island is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Personal Reflections

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

— live a world away.

The New York Times

Kyrgyzstan may seem a world away.

The New York Times

But downtown Vegas is a world away.

The New York Times

That now seems a world away.

The Economist

It's a world away!

The Guardian - Music

Guatemala was a world away.

The New Yorker

Mr. Nazarbayev's capital seemed a world away.

The New York Times

"It feels like a world away".

The Guardian - Music

It's a world away from city life.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The phone line makes her sound a world away.

The Guardian - Film

It is a world away from unpleasantness.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a world away" to emphasize a dramatic contrast or significant distance, whether physical or metaphorical. For example, describe how a peaceful retreat is "a world away" from the stress of city life.

Common error

While effective, "a world away" is a common expression. Avoid overuse by occasionally substituting with more specific descriptions of distance or difference, such as "completely different" or "remarkably distant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a world away" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to describe the extent of distance or difference. It's used to emphasize the significant separation between two points, situations, or ideas, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Travel

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a world away" is a versatile phrase used to express significant distance or difference, often metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Primarily found in News & Media and Travel contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for varied writing styles. While synonyms like ""worlds apart"" and ""entirely different"" exist, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of remoteness and contrast. Remember to avoid overuse to maintain freshness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worlds apart

Pluralizes "world" to emphasize the magnitude of difference.

far removed

Highlights detachment or lack of connection.

poles apart

Emphasizes extreme difference or opposition, rather than physical distance.

entirely different

Highlights the complete dissimilarity between two things.

light years away

Implies vast distance, often figuratively used for goals or achievements.

in stark contrast

Focuses on a sharp and obvious difference.

a distant land

Implies a faraway and potentially exotic location.

a different universe

Exaggerates the difference to an almost unimaginable scale.

in another dimension

Suggests a difference that transcends typical understanding.

on different planets

Illustrates a complete disconnect or incompatibility.

FAQs

How can I use "a world away" in a sentence?

Use "a world away" to describe something that is either geographically distant or significantly different in character. For example: "The quiet countryside felt "a world away" from the bustling city".

What does "a world away" mean?

The phrase "a world away" signifies that something is very distant, either literally in terms of physical location or figuratively in terms of experience or feeling. It emphasizes a stark contrast or separation.

What are some synonyms for "a world away"?

Alternatives include "worlds apart", "entirely different", or "far removed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "a world away" metaphorically?

Yes, "a world away" is frequently used metaphorically to describe situations, feelings, or ideas that are vastly different or separated. For instance, "Her current success is "a world away" from her humble beginnings".