far and away

USAGE SUMMARY

"far and away" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means to be much more than other things or people. Example sentence: She was far and away the best candidate for the job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're by far and away better off.

The Guardian

This is far and away the hardest one.

The Economist

It was far and away the best one".

The New York Times - Arts

Far and away their favorite plan involves mimicking volcanoes.

The New Yorker

Prez is far and away my favourite character.

The Guardian

Microsoft PowerPoint is by far and away the most commonly used computer-based presentation package.

Clinical Radiology

It is far and away her best event.

The Washington Post

Not because he's far and away their best player.

The Washington Post

It's far and away the most popular political programme".

The Guardian

"Jeremy was far and away the best person," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Far and Away is published by Chatto (£25).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far and away" to emphasize a significant difference or superiority, making your statement more impactful and convincing.

Common error

Avoid using "far and away" when the difference is minimal or subjective; reserve it for situations where the distinction is substantial and evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far and away" functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the degree to which something exceeds others in a particular quality or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. This expression intensifies a comparison, highlighting a significant difference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far and away" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize that something is significantly better or more prominent than others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage across diverse contexts. It appears frequently in "News & Media", academic, and scientific writing, denoting its adaptability and reliability in both formal and informal registers. When writing, use "far and away" to clearly emphasize significant differences, and consider alternatives like "by far" for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by far

A more concise way to express the same idea of being significantly superior.

easily the best

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty in identifying the best option.

hands down

Informal way of saying something is the best without any contest.

unquestionably

Highlights the certainty and lack of doubt in the superiority.

without a doubt

Similar to "unquestionably", stressing the absence of uncertainty.

by a long shot

Indicates a considerable margin of difference.

head and shoulders above

A visual metaphor for being significantly better than others.

significantly better

Directly states the improved quality or condition.

considerably superior

Highlights the notable degree of betterness.

noticeably exceeding

Focuses on the evident act of surpassing others.

FAQs

How can I use "far and away" in a sentence?

Use "far and away" to emphasize that something is much better or more significant than anything else of its kind. For example: "This is "far and away" the best solution we have."

What are some alternatives to "far and away"?

You can use alternatives like "by far", "easily the best", or "hands down" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "far and away" with superlatives?

While not strictly redundant, using "far and away" with superlatives (e.g., "the best") can add emphasis. However, consider whether the extra emphasis is necessary for your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "by far" and "far and away"?

The phrases "by far" and "far and away" are very similar in meaning and are often interchangeable. "Far and away" might suggest a slightly greater degree of difference or emphasis.