even remotely

USAGE SUMMARY

"even remotely" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize the idea that something is very unlikely. For example, "I highly doubt that the situation will resolve itself even remotely quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not even remotely.

The New York Times

Or even remotely proportionate.

The Guardian - Sport

"Not even remotely realistic".

The New York Times

Even remotely like them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nothing else seemed even remotely the same.

The New York Times - Sports

And you are not even remotely qualified.

The New Yorker

Even remotely, his style is imperious.

The New York Times

He did not, even remotely, "sound black".

The New Yorker

They just aren't even remotely serious.

The New Yorker

The system was not even remotely democratic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She doesn't even remotely sound Hungarian.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even remotely" to emphasize the unlikelihood or insignificance of a comparison or possibility. It adds a stronger sense of negation than simply using "remotely".

Common error

While "even remotely" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even remotely" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the degree to which something is not possible, likely, or connected. It serves to emphasize the negation of a possibility or similarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "even remotely" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial modifier used to emphasize the unlikelihood or insignificance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally acceptable across various contexts, although overuse should be avoided in formal writing. Its primary function is to convey skepticism or disbelief, highlighting that a possibility is highly improbable. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its neutrality in tone. When a stronger emphasis is desired, alternatives like "not in the least" or "nowhere near" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not in the slightest degree

Highlights the complete lack of intensity or quantity.

nowhere near

Indicates a large difference or distance from a target or comparison.

in the least

Indicates a complete absence of something, similar to "not at all".

to the slightest extent

Focuses on the minimal quantity or degree involved.

at the slightest

Emphasizes the minimal degree of connection or possibility, focusing on the smallest amount.

in any respect

Covers every possible angle or perspective.

by any stretch of the imagination

Highlights the unlikelihood, needing a considerable imaginative leap.

by any means

Suggests that regardless of the method or resource, something is improbable.

under any circumstances

Implies a condition or situation where something is not possible.

in any way, shape, or form

Covers all potential aspects or forms of something, denying any possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "even remotely" in a sentence?

Use "even remotely" to express that something is not likely or connected in any significant way. For example, "I don't think he is "even remotely interested" in the proposal".

What are some alternatives to "even remotely"?

Alternatives include "not in the least", "nowhere near", or "by any stretch of the imagination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more emphatic to say "even remotely" compared to just "remotely"?

Yes, "even remotely" is more emphatic. The addition of "even" strengthens the negation, highlighting the unlikelihood to a greater degree than using "remotely" alone.

When should I avoid using "even remotely" in my writing?

While generally acceptable, consider avoiding "even remotely" in very formal or academic contexts where a more precise or nuanced expression might be preferred. In those cases you can use "not in the slightest degree".