as distant as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as distant as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the distance between two things, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "Her feelings for him were as distant as the stars in the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It sounds as distant as Pompeii.

The New Yorker

Racial equality seemed as distant as ever.

The New York Times - Books

SeeClickFix has received posts from countries as distant as Australia.

The New York Times

Her Latin was as distant as her youth.

The New York Times - Magazine

Solidarity or sisterhood is as distant as it ever was.

The Guardian - Opinion

London is as distant as Iraq is, in some ways.

The Guardian - Books

"And that the tech world is just as distant as Hollywood or Wall Street.

University of California, Berkeley

Though some remain as distant as supernovas, these days others are just a click away.

The New York Times

Materials from Iran, Anatolia, and Cyprus were transshipped to states as distant as Sumer and Egypt.

Britannica

These reusable rockets do not yet exist, and Mars remains as distant as ever.

The Washington Post

Whatever sense Clarissa wins of her origins is just as brilliant, and as distant, as that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as distant as" to create vivid comparisons that emphasize the degree of separation, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual. For example, "The possibility of rain was as distant as a desert mirage."

Common error

Avoid using "as distant as" when simply stating a difference without emphasizing separation or remoteness. For instance, instead of "His opinion was as distant as hers" (implying strong disagreement), use "His opinion differed from hers" or "They disagreed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as distant as" functions as a comparative, used to equate the degree of distance, whether literal or figurative, between two subjects. It is generally followed by a noun or noun phrase to complete the comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as distant as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative expression for emphasizing separation or remoteness. Ludwig AI confirms that it's appropriate across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While alternatives like "as far removed as" or "worlds apart from" exist, "as distant as" effectively conveys the idea of significant separation or difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as far removed as

Emphasizes the separation or detachment between two things, highlighting their lack of connection.

as remote as

Highlights the inaccessibility or isolation of something, either physically or conceptually.

as estranged as

Focuses on the alienation or lack of emotional connection between two entities.

worlds apart from

Indicates a significant difference or incompatibility between two things or situations.

a far cry from

Suggests a noticeable difference or deviation from a particular standard or expectation.

light years away from

Highlights the vast distance or difference between two things, often used metaphorically.

as different as night and day

Points out the extreme contrast or dissimilarity between two things.

at opposite ends of the spectrum

Emphasizes the polar opposition or contrast between two concepts or entities.

in stark contrast to

Highlights a sharp and obvious difference between two things, emphasizing their opposing nature.

nothing like

Indicates that two things are completely different, sharing no common characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "as distant as" in a sentence?

Use "as distant as" to illustrate a significant separation or difference between two things. For instance, "The memories of that summer felt "as distant as" a forgotten dream".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as distant as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as far removed as", "as remote as", or "worlds apart from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "so distant as" instead of "as distant as"?

While "so distant as" might be grammatically acceptable in certain contexts, "as distant as" is the more common and natural phrasing for comparisons.

What's the difference between "as distant as" and "far from"?

"As distant as" implies a greater degree of separation or difference than "far from". While "far from" indicates a simple lack of closeness, "as distant as" emphasizes a significant remoteness or contrast.