can be far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to be distant or removed in some context, whether physically, emotionally, or metaphorically. Example: "In terms of understanding, the truth can be far from what we initially perceive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But individual cases can be far larger.

The New York Times

"Games can be far more complex-looking".

The New York Times - Tech

Outside Washington, it can be far nastier.

The Guardian

Appearance fees can be far greater.

The Guardian - Tech

Consumer dissatisfaction can be far more potent than satisfaction.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But for the patient it can be far worse.

The New York Times

The reality, however, can be far messier and slightly perverse.

The New York Times

They can be far from humble about this.

The New York Times

"We can be far more experimental now," Mr. Rosenheim said.

The New York Times - Arts

So this means we can be far more effective.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The great unknown can be far away and nearby.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be far" to express that something has the potential to be distant, either literally or figuratively. This phrase works well when emphasizing possibility.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "can be far" in formal academic papers. More precise language may be required to convey specific nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be far" primarily functions as a modal phrase indicating possibility combined with an adverbial modifier expressing distance or remoteness. It suggests that something has the potential to be distant, whether physically, figuratively, or emotionally. Ludwig AI shows various examples in its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be far" is a versatile expression indicating the potential for distance or remoteness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts. It appears frequently in news, science, and academic settings. While suitable for formal writing, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider more precise language when necessary. Alternatives like "may be distant" or "could be remote" can provide subtle variations in meaning. The prevalence of "can be far" across diverse sources underscores its reliability as a common and acceptable phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be distant

Replaces "can be" with "may be", suggesting possibility, and uses "distant" as a direct synonym for "far".

could be remote

Substitutes "can be" with "could be", indicating potential, and uses "remote" as a synonym for "far".

can potentially be far away

Adds the word "potentially" to highlight the possibility of being far away.

might be a long way off

Replaces "can be far" with a more descriptive phrase, indicating distance in a figurative or literal sense.

may prove to be distant

Adds "prove to be" to emphasize the revealing of distance over time.

could turn out to be remote

Includes "turn out to be" to suggest an eventual discovery of remoteness.

might not be close

Uses a negation to express distance indirectly, changing the sentence structure.

can exist at a distance

Focuses on the state of existing at a distance, changing the emphasis.

might extend considerably

Shifts the focus to the extent or reach, using "considerably" to indicate a large distance.

can stretch a great distance

Uses "stretch" to emphasize the action of extending over a distance, changing the verb.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be far" is used to indicate that something has the potential to be distant or removed in some context. For example, "The truth "can be far" from what we initially perceive".

What are some alternatives to "can be far"?

You can use alternatives like "may be distant", "could be remote", or "might be a long way off" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can be far"?

Yes, "can be far" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples.

In what contexts is "can be far" most appropriate?

The phrase "can be far" is suitable in various contexts, from describing physical distances to expressing differences in opinions or emotional states. It's frequently found in news, scientific articles, and academic papers.