distant goal

USAGE SUMMARY

"distant goal" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a goal or aspiration that is far off in the future or difficult to attain. Example: "Becoming a successful entrepreneur may be a distant goal, but with hard work and determination, it can be achieved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Walking seemed a distant goal.

The New York Times

That's a distant goal.

The New York Times

However, recovery is only a distant goal.

The Economist

Normalcy, however, remains a distant goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Even this remains a distant goal.

The Economist

That is still a distant goal.

The Economist

But the Stanley Cup seemed like an increasingly distant goal.

The New York Times - Sports

For the moment it seems a distant goal.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, 'complete equality' is for many still a distant goal.

Independent

This is a long march to a distant goal.

The New York Times

Distant microphone speech recognition systems that operate with human-like robustness remain a distant goal.

Computer Speech & Language

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distant goal" to realistically portray objectives that require considerable time and effort. It adds a layer of understanding about the current challenges and required dedication.

Common error

Avoid using "distant goal" when describing tasks with short deadlines. This misrepresents the situation and can create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distant goal" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It identifies something that is desired or aimed for but is not immediately attainable. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "distant goal" highlights challenges and prolonged efforts required to achieve specific objectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distant goal" is a noun phrase used to describe an objective that requires significant time and effort to achieve. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "long-term objective" or "far-off aspiration" exist, "distant goal" effectively conveys the challenge and extended timeline associated with the objective. Remember to use it accurately and avoid misrepresenting short-term tasks. Whether it's the pursuit of world peace or developing a new technology, the concept of a "distant goal" helps frame expectations and motivate sustained effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Horizon goal

Highlights the long distance and visibility of the goal.

Long-term objective

Focuses on the time horizon of the goal.

Far-off aspiration

Emphasizes the aspirational nature and remoteness of the goal.

Future prospect

Highlights the potential and futurity of the goal.

Eventual aim

Stresses that the goal will be achieved at some point in the future.

Ultimate target

Implies the goal is the final and most important one.

Long shot

Indicates the goal is unlikely to be achieved.

Ambitious plan

Emphasizes the grand scale and difficulty of the goal.

Unrealistic expectation

Suggests the goal is not feasible.

Pie in the sky

Indicates the goal is highly improbable or fanciful.

FAQs

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

You can use "distant goal" to describe objectives that are not easily achievable in the short term. For example, "Achieving world peace is a "distant goal", but it's still worth striving for".

What are some alternatives to "distant goal"?

Alternatives include "long-term objective", "far-off aspiration", or "future prospect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to describe something as a "distant goal" or a "future goal"?

While both refer to something in the future, "distant goal" implies the objective is far off and potentially difficult to achieve, whereas "future goal" simply indicates it will happen at some point. The choice depends on the context and the degree of difficulty you want to emphasize.

Can a "distant goal" ever become a short-term objective?

Yes, a "distant goal" can evolve into a short-term objective if circumstances change or if significant progress is made. For instance, if a new technology emerges that accelerates progress, a previously "distant goal" might become more attainable.