as far as it can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as far as it can be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the extent or limit of something, often in relation to a situation or condition. Example: "The project is progressing well, as far as it can be, given the current circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The pork dinner probably takes celebration of that ingredient about as far as it can be taken.

The New York Times

Ordinary people are disgusted with party corruption, and going after corrupt "tigers" underpins Mr Xi's popularity, as far as it can be measured.

The Economist

The plot spins out the would-be fatal pursuit of Radamisto, son of Farasmane, the king of Thrace, by the invading troops of Tiridate, the dastardly king of Armenia, about as far as it can be spun.

The New York Times - Arts

The plan of the yazna, as far as it can be reconstructed, was essentially that of a highly stylized festive meal offered to an honoured guest, the sacrificer being the host and the deity the guest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While the classical mythology of Islam, as far as it can be properly called so, is spread over the whole area of Islam, the miracles and legends around a particular Muslim saint are found chiefly in the area of his special influence (especially where his order is most popular).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I think the Founder Institute is useful as far as it can be a catalyst for putting some structures around their ideas, but we like to fund people who are working on their ideas full time and are world experts," said Aziz Gilani, a director at DFJ Mercury, a venture capital firm based in Houston that invests in companies from accelerator programs like TechStars.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

And this is as far as it can take him.

The Guardian - Sport

But this is about as far as it can go.

SEP

It can be found as far west as Illinois and Arkansas, and as far south as Georgia.

The New York Times

"This is as far as it goes".

The New York Times - Science

That's as far as it goes".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as far as it can be" to denote the maximum possible extent or degree to which something can be done or achieved, especially when acknowledging limitations or constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "as far as it can be" when a more direct or precise term would better describe the actual limit or extent. For example, instead of saying "The budget was stretched as far as it can be", specify the exact amount or the specific constraints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as far as it can be" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the maximum extent or degree to which something is possible or achievable, often within certain constraints, as Ludwig indicates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as far as it can be" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the maximum extent or degree to which something is possible, often within limitations. As Ludwig AI highlights, it functions as an adverbial phrase and carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for various contexts like news, science, and general discourse. While versatile, it's important to ensure a more direct term isn't better suited for clarity. Consider alternatives like "to the greatest extent possible" or "as much as is feasible" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the greatest extent possible

Emphasizes the maximization of effort or potential, similar to reaching a limit but focuses on the action.

as much as is feasible

Highlights the practicality and viability of reaching a certain limit or extent.

to the furthest degree attainable

Focuses on the idea of reaching the maximum achievable level.

within the bounds of possibility

Emphasizes the constraints and limitations within which something can be done.

to its maximum potential

Highlights the full capacity or capability that can be reached.

up to the limit of its capacity

Focuses on the specific capacity and the action of reaching its boundary.

as fully as circumstances allow

Highlights the influence of external factors on the extent of achievement.

to the utmost limit

Emphasizes the absolute boundary that can be reached, showing a sense of finality.

as completely as is achievable

Focuses on the completeness of the action within realistic boundaries.

to the fullest possible extent

Emphasizes completeness and possibility combined, indicating a broad scope of action.

FAQs

How can I use "as far as it can be" in a sentence?

You can use "as far as it can be" to indicate the maximum extent or limit to which something is possible. For example, "The project is progressing "as far as it can be", given the limited resources".

What phrases are similar to "as far as it can be"?

Similar phrases include "to the greatest extent possible", "as much as is feasible", or "to the furthest degree attainable".

Is there a difference between "as far as it can be" and "as far as possible"?

While both phrases indicate a limit, "as far as it can be" often implies there are existing constraints or conditions affecting the extent. "As far as possible" simply means doing something to the greatest degree without necessarily implying limitations.

Can "as far as it can be" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "as far as it can be" is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. The appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and context of the communication rather than the phrase itself.