are far off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are far off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is distant in terms of physical space or time. Example: "The mountains are far off in the distance, barely visible through the haze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Both are far off.

The Economist

They are far off.

The New Yorker

"I don't think we are far off.

The Guardian - Sport

But those changes are far off.

The New York Times

The combustion efficiency is near unity unless conditions are far off design.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Others are far off: bidding has not yet started for rural mobile-phone coverage, for example.

The Economist

These solutions to Internet regulation are far off, if they fly at all.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But, for Saudis, these are far-off horrors that have found no echo in the kingdom itself.

The Economist

Cryptography solutions are far-off, but much can be done in the near term, says Whitfield Diffie.

MIT Technology Review

Qaddafi, his family and his regime are fighting for their lives, and these are far-off consequences that only begin to matter if they survive in power.

The New York Times

While their potential rewards are far-off, big innovations create clear near-term costs in training staff, educating customers, and dealing with inevitable hiccups in a new proposition.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are far off" to create a sense of scale or to emphasize the remoteness or improbability of something.

Common error

Avoid using "are far off" when describing minor discrepancies or short distances. This phrase is best reserved for significant deviations or long-term goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are far off" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is distant, either in physical space, time, or degree. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are far off" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe something distant in space, time, or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct. Found most commonly in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When writing, ensure the context clarifies what the subject is distant from, and avoid using it for minor discrepancies. Alternatives like ""are distant"" or ""are a long way off"" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. The phrase's frequent appearance in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and broad acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are distant

Indicates a greater physical or metaphorical separation.

are a long way off

Emphasizes the extended distance or time required.

are remote

Focuses on the inaccessibility or isolated nature.

are nowhere near

Emphasizes the significant gap or disparity.

are not close

States a lack of proximity, either physically or figuratively.

are unrealistic

Shifts the focus to the implausibility or impracticality.

are improbable

Highlights the low likelihood of occurrence.

are off track

Suggests a deviation from the intended path or goal.

are wide of the mark

Indicates a significant inaccuracy or deviation from a target.

are beyond reach

Highlights the unattainability or impossibility of achieving something.

FAQs

How can I use "are far off" in a sentence?

You can use "are far off" to describe things that are distant in space, time, or possibility. For example, "The mountains are far off in the distance" or "The chances of winning the lottery are far off".

What can I say instead of "are far off"?

You can use alternatives like "are distant", "are a long way off", or "are remote" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are far off"?

"Are far off" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is not easily attainable or is a considerable distance away, either literally or figuratively. This contrasts with something that is nearby or easily achieved.

Which is correct, "are far off" or "is far off"?

"Are far off" is used with plural subjects, while "is far off" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The mountains are far off" (plural) versus "The destination is far off" (singular).