as far as you like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as far as you like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there are no limits to how much someone can do or how far they can go in a particular context. Example: "You can explore the park as far as you like, just make sure to return before sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

To the church we'll swiftly steal, Then our wedding bells will peal, You can go as far as you like with me, In my merry Oldsmobile.

The New York Times

You can escalate police toughness as far as you like: arm officers to the teeth, let them use electric shock batons to torture confessions out of prisoners, even turn a blind eye to extra-judicial killings by police death squads.

The Economist

"The marvel of directing films is that you can go as far as you like, but you always end up talking about the place that you come from .The acclaim is not just in Hollywood.

The Economist

Not much high vegetation grows on the bar, so if you face east you can back cast as far as you like without snagging a tree, and fish the smaller pond with ease.

The New York Times

Each ride is $2.75 and you can go as far as you like on that.

Huffington Post

The Sky is the Limit - take it as far as you like!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But they're not as far as you would like.

The New York Times

But there will always be recriminations if you don't get as far as you'd like".

The Guardian - Sport

In this fictionalized but semi-fact-based tale about the creation of Facebook, being smart will take you a long way, but never as far as you'd like.

Huffington Post

Then take it as far as you'd like!

WikiHow

Extend the line of your brow as far as you would like.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as far as you like" when you want to convey that there are no restrictions on distance, degree, or extent. It's suitable for encouraging exploration, effort, or creativity.

Common error

Be careful not to use "as far as you like" in situations where physical distance is irrelevant or nonsensical. The phrase works best when there's a tangible element of 'how far' something can go, either literally or metaphorically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as far as you like" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the extent or degree to which an action can be performed. It suggests a lack of limitation or restriction. Ludwig confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as far as you like" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that means there are no limits to the distance, extent, or degree of an action. Ludwig confirms this with examples from reliable sources, showing it's commonly used in news, media, and informal contexts. While it functions as an adverbial phrase to grant permission or encourage exploration, it's essential to consider the context and audience to ensure its appropriateness. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "to the extent you desire" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as you wish

Offers a more direct and simple expression of permission or allowance.

to the extent you desire

Replaces "like" with "desire", adding a slightly more formal tone.

as much as you want

Focuses on quantity or degree rather than physical distance.

to the degree you prefer

Highlights personal preference as the determining factor.

to your heart's content

Emphasizes enjoyment and satisfaction in pursuing something without limit.

as greatly as you please

Uses stronger adverbs to amplify the sense of unlimited extent.

as liberally as you choose

Conveys a sense of generosity and freedom in making choices.

without any limitations

Explicitly states the absence of restrictions.

to whatever degree you fancy

Introduces a touch of whimsy and personal inclination.

as fully as you feel inclined

Emphasizes personal motivation and willingness.

FAQs

How can I use "as far as you like" in a sentence?

You can use "as far as you like" to indicate there are no limits to the extent or degree of an action or exploration. For example, "You can customize the settings "to the extent you desire"" or "Feel free to explore the library "to your heart's content"".

What are some alternatives to "as far as you like"?

Alternatives include "as much as you want", "to your heart's content", or "as you wish", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "as far as you like"?

While grammatically correct, "as far as you like" might not be suitable in formal or highly technical contexts where more precise language is preferred. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing.

What is the difference between "as far as you like" and "as much as you like"?

"As far as you like" often implies a distance or range, either literal or metaphorical, while "as much as you like" refers to quantity or degree. For example, "You can walk "as far as you like" on the beach", but "You can eat "as much as you like"".