as remote as ever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as remote as ever" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that remains distant or unchanged over time. Example: "Despite the advancements in technology, the concept of true privacy feels as remote as ever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Politically, a final reconciliation still looks as remote as ever.

The Economist

But the goal today seems as remote as ever.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Davutoglu also called for a political resolution, though that seems as remote as ever.

The New York Times

I think that the chances of the former are as remote as ever.

The Guardian

Somehow the ultimate ob jective — a democratic Latin America — remains as remote as ever.

The New York Times

As the catastrophe in Darfur confronts us with the limitations of our power, the idea of a common international humanity appears as remote as ever.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The possibility of there being in my lifetime a fully staged "Seagull" or "Three Sisters" that effortlessly integrated comedy and tragedy (and vice versa) felt about as remote as those sisters ever making it to Moscow.

The New York Times

"It was about as remote as I've ever been… It was just a couple of tents and a generator in the middle of nowhere," he said.

BBC

We were in a spot as remote as I've ever been, 21 hours by train from Delhi, just 60 kilometers from the border with Pakistan.

Huffington Post

And the recent explosive spread of Zika around Latin America and the Caribbean serves notice, yet again, that remote places are no longer as remote as they used to be so expect ever more exotic pathogens lurking in nature to become commonplace.

Science Magazine

The possibility of the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series is as depressingly remote as ever.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as remote as ever" to emphasize that a situation or goal has not improved or become more attainable over time. It is most effective when contrasting a past hope with the current reality.

Common error

Avoid using "as remote as ever" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language might be preferred. While grammatically correct, its slightly idiomatic nature can feel out of place in certain scholarly contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as remote as ever" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically a linking verb like 'seems' or 'remains'. It describes the state of something, emphasizing its continued distance or unattainability. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as remote as ever" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something remains distant or unattainable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news and media to describe situations where progress is lacking or goals remain far off. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly informal contexts and should be used judiciously in highly formal or technical writing. Alternatives like "as distant as it always was" or "remains a distant prospect" may be considered for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as distant as it always was

Replaces "remote" with "distant" and rephrases "ever" for emphasis on past state.

remains out of reach

A more concise way of saying that something continues to be inaccessible.

remains a distant prospect

Focuses on the idea of something being a distant possibility rather than a current state.

is no closer than it used to be

Expresses the lack of progress towards a goal in terms of proximity.

is as unattainable as before

Emphasizes the inability to reach a goal, using "unattainable" instead of "remote".

as far removed as always

Changes "remote" to "far removed", emphasizing a sense of detachment or separation.

appears just as far off

Highlights the apparent lack of progress, using "far off" as a substitute for "remote".

seems perpetually distant

Implies the distance is ongoing and unchanging by using "perpetually".

seems as improbable as in the past

Shifts the focus to the low probability of something happening.

continues to be a pipe dream

Replaces the idea of something being spatially distant with the concept of it being an unrealistic hope.

FAQs

How can I use "as remote as ever" in a sentence?

You can use "as remote as ever" to describe a situation that has not improved or a goal that remains distant despite efforts. For example, "Despite the negotiations, a peaceful resolution seems "as remote as ever"".

What does "as remote as ever" imply?

"As remote as ever" implies that there has been no progress made towards a particular goal or that a situation remains unchanged, often in a negative or disappointing way. It suggests a lack of hope or progress.

What are some alternatives to "as remote as ever"?

Alternatives to "as remote as ever" include "as distant as it always was", "remains a distant prospect", or "seems just as far off", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as remote as ever" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as remote as ever" is more common in news, media, and general discourse. In formal academic or business writing, consider using more precise or technical language to convey the same meaning, such as "remains unattainable" or "shows no discernible progress".