are not far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is close in distance or time, often in a comparative context. Example: "The nearest gas station are not far from here, just a few blocks away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Liverpool are not far off.

Independent

Ads are not far off.

The New York Times - Tech

(They are not far off).

The New York Times - Books

Politicians are not far behind.

The Economist

We are not far down the road.

The New York Times - Sports

But the clouds are not far off.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

These are not far-fetched concerns.

The New Yorker

But these are not far-off threats.

The New York Times

So the Rory McIlroy comparisons are not far-fetched.

Independent

The SDGs are not far-flung targets.

Huffington Post

Rahn's fears are not far-fetched.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not far" to create a sense of anticipation or immediacy, especially when describing future events or goals. For example: "The release of the new software version and accompanying documentation "are not far", so get ready for the change."

Common error

While "are not far" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Try to use synonyms such as "nearby" or "imminent" where appropriate to add variety and freshness to your style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not far" primarily functions as a linking verb phrase, indicating a state of proximity, either physical or temporal. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not far" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate proximity in both distance and time. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and frequently employed in written English. It is most commonly found in news articles and other media, with a neutral to informal register. While widely accepted, writers should avoid overusing it to maintain a varied and engaging writing style. Alternatives like "are nearby" or "are imminent" can add nuance and avoid repetition. The phrase is easy to integrate into most writings, making it a simple way to communicate nearness in location or time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are close by

Indicates physical nearness or immediate proximity.

are nearby

Similar to "are close by", but may imply a slightly greater distance.

are just around the corner

Suggests that something is very close and easily accessible.

are within reach

Implies that something is attainable or achievable without great effort.

are imminent

Indicates that something is about to happen very soon.

are approaching

Suggests that something is coming closer in distance or time.

are drawing near

A more formal way of saying "are approaching".

are on the horizon

Suggests that something is likely to happen in the future, but not immediately.

are coming up

Indicates that an event or deadline is approaching.

are in close proximity

A more formal and technical way of saying "are close by".

FAQs

What does "are not far" mean?

The phrase "are not far" means that something is close in distance or time. It indicates proximity, implying that something is easily accessible or will happen soon.

What can I say instead of "are not far"?

You can use alternatives like "are nearby", "are close by", or "are imminent" depending on the context.

How do I use "are not far" in a sentence?

You can use "are not far" to describe physical locations or upcoming events. For instance, "The shops "are not far" from the hotel" or "The holidays "are not far" now".

Is it better to say "are not far away" or "are not far"?

Both "are not far away" and ""are not far"" are grammatically correct, but ""are not far"" is often preferred for its conciseness. Adding "away" doesn't change the meaning significantly.