advancing this far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "advancing this far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate progress or achievement in a particular context, often referring to reaching a certain point in a process or journey. Example: "We have faced many challenges, but advancing this far has shown our resilience and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Just advancing this far was an important validation that DC is on the right track with education reform," she said.

The Washington Post

By advancing this far (and being in Murray's quarter), de Schepper faced English questions at a news conference Saturday, which had to be translated from French.

The New York Times - Sports

In advancing this far he had already become the youngest bowler to reach the prize-money level in a Professional Bowlers Association national tour event.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Neither had ever advanced this far at a Grand Slam event.

The New York Times - Sports

Although Maine, Boston College and Minnesota-Duluth all had reasons to believe they could advance this far, hardly anyone would have picked Denver to advance this far.

The New York Times - Sports

That 2005 season was the last time Missouri advanced this far.

The New York Times

It is only the second time that Florida has advanced this far.

The New York Times - Sports

Capriati is the youngest woman to advance this far in a Grand Slam tournament.

The New York Times - Sports

The last time the 76ers advanced this far, in 1985, they were eliminated, four games to one, by the Boston Celtics.

The New York Times - Sports

They are the first No. 8 to advance this far in the N.C.A.A. tournament since Villanova in 1985.

The New York Times - Sports

In Buffalo, the Cowboys defeated Hofstra and Pepperdine and have advanced this far without attracting much national notice.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "advancing this far" to highlight a significant milestone or achievement, especially when previous progress was uncertain or challenging.

Common error

Avoid using "advancing this far" for routine or expected progress. Reserve it for situations where the achievement is noteworthy or surprising.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "advancing this far" functions as a verb phrase + adverb, indicating the action of progressing to a specific point or stage. Ludwig examples show it used to highlight significant achievements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Sports

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "advancing this far" is a verb phrase + adverb construction used to emphasize significant progress, often against challenges. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal contexts. While the phrase is relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and media, and sports contexts. When using "advancing this far", ensure that the progress being described is indeed noteworthy and not merely routine. Alternatives like "reaching this stage" or "getting this far" can provide similar emphasis in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reaching this stage

Focuses on the act of arrival at a particular point.

Progressing to this extent

Highlights the degree of progress made.

Getting this far

Emphasizes the journey and overcoming obstacles.

Achieving this level

Stresses the attainment of a specific standard.

Making it to this point

Implies a successful arrival after effort or difficulty.

Arriving at this juncture

Highlights arrival at a critical moment or turning point.

Developing to this degree

Focuses on the process of growth and advancement.

Evolving to this stage

Emphasizes a gradual transformation or development.

Ascending to this height

Suggests a climb or rise to a higher position or status.

Culminating at this position

Implies reaching a final or decisive point after a series of events.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "advancing this far"?

Alternatives include "reaching this stage", "getting this far", or "making it to this point", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "advancing this far" in formal writing?

Yes, "advancing this far" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing a notable achievement or unexpected progress. However, consider alternatives like "progressing to this extent" for a slightly more formal tone.

What does "advancing this far" imply?

It implies that a significant level of progress has been made, often against some form of resistance or initial uncertainty. It highlights the accomplishment of reaching a particular milestone or stage in a process or journey.

When should I avoid using "advancing this far"?

Avoid using "advancing this far" when referring to routine or expected progress. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing a surprising or hard-won achievement. In such cases, alternatives like "continuing as expected" would be more appropriate.