distant country

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'distant country' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a country that is far away from one's home. For example: "I dreamed of traveling to a distant country one day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I wondered how the people of a distant country could be more important than us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How many of our sons and daughters will die young in a distant country?

The New York Times

It was good to think that, in a distant country, he had a friend who remembered him.

The New Yorker

If people aren't free to insult authority in some distant country, then we aren't entirely free here.

The New Yorker

In some versions of the story Layla dies in a distant country, and he pines away in grief.

The New York Times - Arts

Once again we are at war in a small, distant country whose people and customs we do not understand.

The New York Times

"I nodded and reflected, not for the first time, what a strange, small, distant country Australia is," he tells us.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Her postcards mailed from distant countries.

The New York Times

In distant countries where I didn't speak the language.

The New Yorker

Their job is further complicated because the minerals are exported for smelting in distant countries.

The Guardian

The latter will find their livelihoods more secure against outsourcing to distant countries.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distant country", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: physical distance, cultural difference, or emotional disconnect. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

Be specific when possible. Instead of just saying "distant country", provide context or details that help the reader understand which country you are referring to or why it is considered distant (geographically, culturally, etc.).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distant country" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "distant" modifies the noun "country". This construction serves to describe a country that is far away, either geographically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distant country" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a country that is far away, either in a literal geographical sense or in a more metaphorical cultural or emotional sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. The phrase appears most often in news and media contexts, but also sees use in scientific, formal, and general writing. While "distant country" is a useful and versatile phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose alternatives like "faraway land" or "remote nation" when appropriate. Avoid overuse by providing specific details rather than relying on the vague "distant country" alone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far-off country

A slight variation that uses "far-off" instead of "distant", maintaining the same meaning.

a country far away

Rephrases to explicitly state the distance, providing a more descriptive alternative.

faraway land

Replaces "country" with "land", emphasizing the remoteness and possibly a sense of unfamiliarity.

remote nation

Substitutes "distant" with "remote" and "country" with "nation", highlighting the isolation of the country.

foreign land

Focuses on the aspect of being different and not native, rather than just physical distance.

far-flung nation

Emphasizes the wide distribution and remoteness of the nation.

overseas territory

Implies a geographical separation by sea, adding a specific type of distance.

isolated nation

Focuses on the lack of connection and interaction with other countries.

a nation in the distance

Uses a more metaphorical sense of distance, implying obscurity or lack of immediate relevance.

a land beyond the seas

Highlights the geographical separation by water, adding a sense of adventure and the unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "distant country" in a sentence?

You can use "distant country" to describe a nation that is geographically far away, culturally different, or both. For example, "She dreamed of traveling to a "distant country" to experience a new culture".

What are some alternatives to saying "distant country"?

Alternatives include "faraway land", "remote nation", or "foreign land", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "distant country" in formal writing?

Yes, "distant country" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and grammatically correct phrase. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context of your writing.

What is the difference between "distant country" and "foreign country"?

"Distant country" emphasizes geographical remoteness, while "foreign country" highlights that the country is not one's own. A country can be both "distant" and "foreign", but not necessarily.