be very far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be very far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant distance or a great extent in relation to something. Example: "If we continue on this path, we will be very far from our original destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In San Francisco they would be very far from wealthy.

The New York Times

But the future may not be very far off.

The New York Times - Tech

In addition, the sides will initially be very far apart over Trident.

Independent

"There are lots of opportunities to be very far sighted in the political system.

The Guardian

The World Cup would seem to be very far away, indeed.

The New York Times - Sports

But if you must blow dry, "try to be very far away," he says.

The New York Times

Despite their volatile and venomous relationship, she could never be very far from her.

The New York Times - Books

Thus, a star may be faint because it is intrinsically faint, or because it may be very far away.

Cornell University

The crackdown appears to be real, as far as it goes, which may not be very far.

The New York Times

But can summer be very far away when you can order 22 variations on the gin and tonic?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

From all these considerations a joint discussion with the Duce was necessary before making further decisions which could be very far-reaching.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be very far" to emphasize a significant separation, either physically or metaphorically. This adds impact compared to simply saying "be far".

Common error

Avoid using "be very far" excessively in a single piece of writing, as it can weaken the overall impact. Opt for more precise language to convey distance or separation when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be very far" functions as a descriptive element, typically a predicate adjective. It modifies a subject by indicating a significant degree of separation or distance, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be very far" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe significant distance or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and academic writing. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse for stylistic impact. Alternatives like "be quite distant" or "be a long way off" can offer nuanced expressions of distance. When employing "be very far", consider the specific context to ensure it effectively conveys the intended degree of separation. It's important to recognize that adding "away" can sometimes be redundant, unless specificity of a referent from which something is far is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be quite distant

Indicates a considerable separation, but potentially less extreme than "be very far".

be a long way off

Implies a significant distance or time until something is reached or achieved.

be remotely close

Expresses the idea of not even being near to something else

be extremely remote

Conveys a sense of being highly inaccessible or distant.

be far removed

Suggests a significant degree of separation or disconnection.

be worlds apart

Highlights the extreme difference or dissimilarity between two things.

be poles apart

Emphasizes the complete opposition or disparity between two entities.

be light-years away

Conveys a vast, almost unimaginable distance, often used metaphorically.

be on different planets

Indicates a fundamental lack of understanding or common ground.

be beyond the pale

Indicates that something is completely unacceptable or outside the bounds of what is considered reasonable.

FAQs

How can I use "be very far" in a sentence?

You can use "be very far" to describe physical distance, such as "The nearest town is going to "be very far" from here". It can also describe abstract concepts, like "His ideas are going to "be very far" from reality".

What's the difference between "be far" and "be very far"?

"Be far" indicates a general distance, while "be very far" emphasizes that the distance is considerable or significant. The addition of "very" intensifies the degree of separation.

What can I say instead of "be very far"?

Alternatives include "be quite distant", "be a long way off", or "be light-years away", depending on the desired level of emphasis and context.

Is "be very far away" redundant?

While "be very far away" isn't grammatically incorrect, the "away" can sometimes be redundant. Using "be very far" often implies "away", so the shorter phrase can be more concise, depending on the specific context. The expression can sometimes be useful to specify "away" from a particular reference.