far apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"far apart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how two things are spaced out, like in the sentence "The two buildings were far apart from each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They weren't far apart.

The New Yorker

"They're not far apart.

The New York Times

"We're that far apart.

The New York Times - Tech

But they aren't far apart.

The New York Times - Arts

Very far apart".

The New York Times

"We're far apart.

The New York Times

Here the two sides remain far apart.

The Economist

But their approaches are far apart.

The New York Times

He stood with his feet far apart.

The New York Times

But we are still very far apart".

The New York Times

We were too far apart and disjointed".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical arrangements, use "far apart" to clearly indicate a significant distance between objects or locations. This helps the reader visualize the spatial relationship more effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "far apart" in abstract contexts where more specific vocabulary would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "their opinions are far apart", consider using "divergent", "conflicting", or "dissimilar".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far apart" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to describe a significant spatial or conceptual distance. Ludwig examples show its use in describing the separation between physical locations and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far apart" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe a significant distance, both physically and conceptually. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the entities being described and consider the potential need for more precise vocabulary in abstract or formal settings. Its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirms its widespread acceptance and utility in conveying separation or divergence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separated by a large distance

Explicitly states the existence of a substantial distance separating entities.

widely separated

Emphasizes the extent of the distance between the items.

considerably distant

Emphasizes a large degree of separation.

distantly located

Highlights the location and the considerable distance involved.

not within proximity

Indicates that the items lack closeness or nearness.

at a distance

Focuses on the existence of space between two points or objects.

well spaced out

Highlights the deliberate arrangement of items with ample space between them.

remotely positioned

Stresses the isolated nature of the positions of the things being discussed.

miles away

Specifies that the distance is significant and measurable in miles.

poles apart

Implies a figurative distance representing opposing views or characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "far apart" in a sentence?

You can use "far apart" to describe physical distance, such as "The two cities are "hundreds of miles apart"", or abstract differences, like "Their political views are "poles apart"".

What's a more formal alternative to "far apart"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "widely separated", "distantly located", or "considerably distant" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Is it always necessary to specify what is "far apart"?

Yes, it's best to specify what's "far apart" to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just saying "They are far apart", clarify by stating "Their houses are "far apart"" or "Their beliefs are "far apart"".

What is the difference between "far apart" and "distant"?

"Far apart" emphasizes separation and the space between two or more entities, whereas "distant" can refer to a single entity being remote or removed from something else. For example, "The stars are far apart" highlights the spacing, while "a distant galaxy" describes a galaxy's remoteness.