even remotely approaches

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even remotely approaches" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not close to reaching a certain standard or level, often in a comparative context. Example: "The new product doesn't even remotely approach the quality of its predecessor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is especially true, he said, because learning disabilities themselves are so wide-ranging that no method even remotely approaches a cure-all.

The New York Times

Above all, she writes, nothing in the United States "even remotely approaches the nationwide and regional bans on Islamic dress in Europe, or the nationwide Swiss minaret referendum" — let alone an anti-Islamic massacre.

The New York Times - Books

So far, there really aren't any "major" tablets not called the iPad, but let's assume someone makes an Android-based tablet in the next two years that even remotely approaches mass appeal.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But, he says, "No other character in world literature has even remotely approached Holmes' ability to transcend the barrier between fact and fiction, and to this extent one can believe that he actually did attend this college". So now then: How to account for the missing years between Cromwell's death and the burial of the skull?

Los Angeles Times

Is there really anything in print even remotely approaching "By Night in Chile"?

The New York Times - Books

With today's players taking a day off for a hangnail, this record will never be even remotely approached.

The New York Times

In 2010, Mexico is again convulsed with violence, though the size and scope of today's conflict does not even remotely approach that of 1810 or 1910.

The New York Times

Yet slum and shanty dwellers could never earn enough to even remotely approach buying an urban home, whether a house or an apartment.

Forbes

That sort of interaction, however intense and private, does not even remotely approach the threshold of a physician-patient relationship.

Huffington Post

European countries, which are facing an acute humanitarian crisis of historic proportions, were not in a position to utilize anything even remotely approaching the extensive U.S. vetting process.

Huffington Post

Her eyes are closed and she proclaims that never, never before has she experienced anything to even remotely approach what that felt like.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "even remotely approaches", ensure the comparison is clear and the standard being approached is well-defined. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "even remotely approaches" when the subject is completely unrelated or dissimilar to the standard. This can lead to hyperbole and weaken your argument. For example, claiming 'This pencil even remotely approaches the complexity of a supercomputer' is inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even remotely approaches" functions as a comparative expression. It serves to emphasize the lack of similarity or attainment of a certain standard. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it's often used to highlight deficiencies or large differences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "even remotely approaches" is a grammatically correct expression used to emphasize a significant disparity between a subject and a specified standard. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, it appears primarily in neutral contexts like news and media. Its function is comparative, serving to underscore that something falls far short of expectations. To avoid misuse, ensure the comparison is clear and relevant. For alternative phrasing, consider "barely comes close" or "is nowhere near".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely comes close

Emphasizes the small degree of approximation.

doesn't even touch

Highlights the significant gap between two things.

is nowhere near

Indicates a considerable distance from a particular target or state.

is far from

Similar to 'nowhere near' but can also suggest a process or journey not being completed.

doesn't measure up

Focuses on the failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

fails to reach

Highlights the inability to attain a specific level or quality.

is not in the same ballpark

An idiomatic expression indicating vast difference.

can't hold a candle to

Suggests that one thing is significantly inferior to another.

is leagues away from

Emphasizes the substantial difference or distance between two things.

is a far cry from

Indicates a significant deviation from an expected or desired state.

FAQs

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

Use "even remotely approaches" to emphasize that something falls far short of a particular standard or quality. For example, "No other tablet has "even remotely approaches" the iPad's mass appeal".

What does "even remotely approaches" mean?

It signifies that something does not come close to reaching a certain level or standard. It implies a significant disparity between the subject and the benchmark being considered.

What are some alternatives to using "even remotely approaches"?

Alternatives include "barely comes close", "doesn't even touch", or "is nowhere near depending on the desired nuance".

Is it correct to say "not even remotely approaching" instead of "even remotely approaches"?

Yes, "not even remotely approaching" is a grammatically correct alternative. It conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing the lack of proximity to a certain standard or expectation. For instance, "The sequel is "not even remotely approaching" the quality of the original movie".