far

USAGE SUMMARY

'far' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adverb to describe physical distance, such as "He traveled far to get here" or "The river flows far away". You can also use it as an adjective to describe degree, such as "He was far more successful than his siblings" or "This decision will have far-reaching consequences".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Far from it.

The New York Times

This list is far from exhaustive.

The Guardian

But it is no less shocking to consider that, far from being neutral as was claimed at the time, it is clear that the government took a deliberately calculated political approach guided by a complete hostility to the coalfield communities.

The Guardian

"A body's function is far more intricate and important than looking 'beach ready', so in fact it is Protein World who have confused their priorities, if anyone".

The Guardian

"Perhaps not everyone's priority is having a 'beach body' (by the way, what is that?), and making somebody feel guilty for not prioritising it by questioning their personal choices is a step too far.

The Guardian

So far, so sensible.

The New York Times

But there is far to go.

The New York Times

Not so far.

The New York Times

Far worse.

The Guardian

The EU is far from perfect.

The Guardian - Opinion

The proposal does not go as far as banning EU migrants access to income-related benefits entirely for the first year in the UK, as had previously been suggested.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far" to describe distance, consider whether "distant" or "remote" might provide a more vivid or precise image. For example, instead of "a far country", try "a distant land".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "far" in academic or professional contexts. Using varied vocabulary, such as "extensive", "considerable", or "significant", can enhance the sophistication and clarity of your prose.

Linguistic Context

The word "far" primarily functions as an adverb modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate distance, degree, or extent. As Ludwig AI suggests, it can also function as an adjective to describe something remote. Examples like "far from it" and "so far" demonstrate its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far" functions mainly as an adverb to denote distance, degree, or extent and, according to Ludwig AI, can also be an adjective. It is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While its common usage makes it versatile, consider enriching your writing by using synonyms like "considerably" or "significantly" for enhanced precision. By varying your vocabulary and understanding the subtle differences between "far" and its alternatives, you can communicate more effectively and avoid sounding repetitive. Remember to use alternatives such as "distant", "remote" or "removed" when expressing physical distance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably more

Specifies that the degree or amount is much larger than something else, expanding on the basic idea of "far".

much more

Indicates a greater degree or amount, emphasizing the extent of the difference, similar to "far" but with a stronger emphasis.

considerably

Indicates a notable degree or extent, differing from "far" by emphasizing the significance of the amount or difference.

greatly

Emphasizes a substantial degree or amount, similar to "far" but with a stronger connotation of magnitude.

substantially

Implies a considerable amount or degree, differing from "far" by suggesting a tangible or measurable difference.

significantly

Highlights the importance or consequence of a difference or extent, unlike "far" which simply indicates distance or degree.

to a great extent

Expresses the idea of something being true or happening in a large degree. It's more descriptive than just using "far".

vastly

Suggests an immense or extensive degree, differing from "far" by emphasizing the scale of the difference.

markedly

Implies a noticeable or distinct difference, similar to "far" but with a focus on the clarity of the distinction.

appreciably

Indicates a noticeable or measurable amount, unlike "far" which can also refer to abstract differences.

FAQs

How can I use "far" in a sentence?

"Far" can be used as an adverb, adjective, or noun. As an adverb, it describes distance: "My house is quite "far from" the beach." As an adjective, it describes remoteness: "He went to a "far country"."

What words can I use instead of "far" to describe physical distance?

Alternatives to "far" for physical distance include "distant", "remote", and "removed". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "far" to indicate a large degree or extent?

Yes, "far" can be used to indicate a large degree or extent, as in "He was "far richer" than we'd thought." Other options are "much more" or "considerably".

When should I avoid using "far" in my writing?

While generally acceptable, "far" may sound simplistic in formal writing. Consider using stronger synonyms like "extensive", "substantial", or "significant" for a more sophisticated tone.