even remotely approaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even remotely approaching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not close to a certain standard or level, often in a comparative context. Example: "The results of the experiment were disappointing, not even remotely approaching our initial expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Books

I'm not naïve enough to believe that there is anything even remotely approaching equality of opportunity in this country, let alone true economic equality, but those for whom this process is particularly bitter should take heart in knowing that they've made it this far.

The New York Times

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

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

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

His mental block over covering first base, an issue last Thursday in Toronto, was never tested on Tuesday; only once did he even remotely approach fielding his position, and he pulled up when he saw Mark Teixeira snare Ben Zobrist's first-inning grounder.

The New York Times - Sports

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

There is absolutely nothing about the Jodi Arias defense that even remotely approaches rendering an honest diagnosis of PTSD.

Huffington Post

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

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even remotely approaching" to emphasize a significant lack of resemblance or attainment, adding a layer of intensity to the comparison.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "even remotely approaching" in overly formal or technical writing might sound less professional. Consider more precise language to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even remotely approaching" functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the degree to which something fails to meet a certain standard or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used correctly in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even remotely approaching" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize a significant lack of resemblance or attainment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often found in news and media contexts. While it's effective for highlighting deficiencies, consider more precise language for formal or technical writing. Related phrases include "nowhere near" and "not even close to", offering alternative ways to express a similar idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not remotely near

Uses similar terms to the query but rearranges them for a slightly different emphasis.

nowhere close

Shortened version of "nowhere near", retaining the emphasis on distance from the goal.

nowhere near

Emphasizes a greater distance from the target, suggesting an even more significant gap.

not even close to

Highlights the lack of any real resemblance or proximity to the expected outcome.

a far cry from

Indicates a significant difference or disparity between the actual situation and what is desired.

not in the same league as

Suggests a clear difference in quality or ability, with the subject being significantly inferior.

bears no resemblance to

Emphasizes the complete absence of similarity or likeness between two things.

doesn't hold a candle to

Implies that something is vastly inferior and cannot compare to the other.

not in the slightest

Highlights the absence of any degree of similarity or achievement.

miles away from

Suggests a large gap or significant distance, both literally and figuratively.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "even remotely approaching" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "bearing little resemblance to", "failing to reach", or "not closely approximating" depending on the specific context.

What does "even remotely approaching" mean?

The phrase "even remotely approaching" means not even coming close to reaching a certain level, standard, or characteristic. It emphasizes a significant lack of attainment or resemblance.

Is it correct to say "not even remotely approaching"?

Yes, "not even remotely approaching" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The inclusion of "not" simply negates the phrase, emphasizing the lack of proximity even further.

What are some common situations where I might use the phrase "even remotely approaching"?

You might use "even remotely approaching" when describing something that falls far short of expectations, such as "The actual sales figures weren't "even remotely approaching" the projected targets" or when comparing something unfavorably to a standard, such as "This imitation is not "even remotely approaching" the quality of the original".