be this far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be this far" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing distance or progress, but it is better to clarify the intended meaning. Example: "I didn't expect to be this far along in my project by now."

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I can't be this far down, but I got 362.

Yale University

"I wouldn't be this far if it wasn't for you," he says.

The Guardian - Film

But who would have ever thought the fall would be this far, this fast?

The New York Times - Sports

4.17pm BST 74 min I say England don't deserve to be this far behind, but they do I guess.

The Guardian - Sport

"Six months ago, I don't think anyone would have predicted that Phillips would be this far along," he went on.

The New York Times

There's no obstruction, the ball was grounded fine by Boyd, and England probably don't deserve to be this far behind.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

He has never been this far.

The New York Times - Sports

"We've never been this far behind".

The New York Times

"We're this far in debt.

Huffington Post

So you're this far.

WikiHow

Nor is this far-fetched.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be this far", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'far' refers to, whether it's progress, distance, or another measurable quantity. For example: "I didn't expect the project to be this far along by now."

Common error

Avoid using "be this far" without a clear reference point. Ensure the reader understands what the 'far' relates to. For instance, instead of saying "I can't believe we are this far", specify "I can't believe we are this far into the project."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be this far" is to indicate a state of progress or advancement. It usually acts as part of a predicate, describing how advanced something is, whether it's a project, a journey, or a process. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing unexpected levels of achievement or distance reached.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be this far" is a commonly used phrase to express progress or advancement, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While generally acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests ensuring the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. The phrase functions primarily to indicate a state of progress and to convey surprise or assessment. Alternatives like "reach this stage" or "advance to this point" can provide greater formality when needed. Overall, while grammatically sound, clarity is key when using "be this far".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach this stage

Replaces 'be' with 'reach' and 'far' with 'stage', focusing on achievement.

progress this much

Substitutes 'far' with 'much', emphasizing the extent of progress.

advance to this point

Replaces 'be' with 'advance' and 'far' with 'point', highlighting forward movement.

arrive at this juncture

Uses 'arrive' instead of 'be' and 'juncture' for 'far', giving a sense of culmination.

get to this level

Employs 'get' and 'level' to indicate attainment.

come this distance

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical distance covered.

extend this length

Highlights the extent of something reaching a certain measure.

develop to this degree

Emphasizes the degree of development achieved.

evolve to this extent

Suggests a process of evolution reaching a particular scope.

mature to this state

Indicates a process of maturation achieving a certain condition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be this far" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "reach this stage" or "advance to this point". These options often suit professional or academic contexts better.

What does it mean to "be this far" in a project?

To "be this far" in a project means that the project has progressed to a certain stage or degree. It indicates the extent of completion or advancement at a particular moment.

Is "be this far" grammatically correct?

Yes, "be this far" is grammatically acceptable, although it can sometimes lack clarity without proper context. Ludwig AI indicates it is commonly used, but suggests considering more descriptive alternatives to avoid ambiguity.

When is it appropriate to use "be this far" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "be this far" when the context clearly indicates the reference point. For instance, "I didn't expect to be this far in my studies" is acceptable. If the reference is unclear, provide additional details.