a world away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a world away from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant difference or distance between two places, situations, or states of being, often implying a contrast in experience or perspective. Example: "Living in the bustling city felt like a world away from the quiet countryside where I grew up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mississippi is a world away from Massachusetts.

The New York Times

It's a world away from city life.

The Guardian - Travel

This was a world away from Manchester.

The Guardian

You'll feel a world away from home.

The Guardian - Travel

That's a world away from banning people.

The Guardian

It was a world away from today's no-frills airlines".

Independent

It is a world away from his early life.

Independent

It was a world away from the rarefied Manhattan showrooms.

The New York Times

Sandtown feels like a world away from the Inner Harbour.

Independent

"This is a world away from that of David Cameron".

Independent

She was a world away from post-war England.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a world away from" to vividly illustrate stark contrasts between experiences, locations, or concepts for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a world away from" when simply stating a difference; reserve it for situations where the contrast is profound and evokes a sense of significant separation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a world away from" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a significant difference or distance. Ludwig AI examples show its use in comparing contrasting environments, experiences, or states of being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Travel

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a world away from" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a significant difference or distance between two things. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle content. Alternative phrases include "miles apart from" and "completely different from". When using this phrase, ensure the contrast is profound and evokes a strong sense of separation. Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase has neutral formality and is widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

miles apart from

Emphasizes the significant distance or difference between two things.

completely different from

Highlights the total dissimilarity between two things.

a far cry from

Indicates a significant difference, often implying disappointment.

poles apart from

Suggests that two things are at opposite extremes.

in stark contrast to

Highlights a sharp and obvious difference.

bears no resemblance to

Indicates that two things are not similar in any way.

nothing like

Emphasizes the lack of similarity between two things.

removed from reality

Implies that something is not connected to the real world or practical concerns.

in another dimension compared to

Highlights that there is a very big difference and the two items being compared exist in completely different places or situations.

light years from

Suggests an extremely vast distance or difference, often in a figurative sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "a world away from" to emphasize a stark contrast. For example, "The bustling city felt "a world away from" the quiet countryside."

What can I say instead of "a world away from"?

You can use alternatives like "miles apart from", "completely different from", or "a far cry from" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a world away from"?

Use "a world away from" when you want to highlight a significant difference or distance between two things, often implying a contrast in experience or perspective.

Is "a world away from" formal or informal?

"A world away from" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in descriptive writing and less formal settings.