far below

USAGE SUMMARY

"far below" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is much lower or less than something else. For example: "The temperature was far below zero degrees Celsius."

✓ Grammatically correct

Spatial relationships (e.g., describing locations)

Comparative assessments (e.g., indicating something is less than a standard)

Abstract concepts (e.g., indicating a level of performance)

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Far below, Praiano's traffic hummed.

The Guardian - Travel

How far below is the Moscow Metro?

The New York Times

The dim city lay far below.

The New Yorker

Far below, a river surges.

Los Angeles Times

This is far below known measurable effects on thermoregulation.

European Journal of Applied Physiology

— far below the E.P.A. rating.

The New York Times

So far below.

The New York Times

Even far below ground.

The New York Times

Industry is working far below capacity.

The Economist

The ground looms far below.

The Washington Post

That is far below analysts' estimates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far below" in comparative sense, make sure what you are comparing is easy to relate, as in "His performance was far below expectations."

Common error

Avoid using "far below" when the difference is not substantial or significant. Using "slightly below" is better when describing marginal differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far below" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate a position, level, or degree that is significantly lower than something else. Ludwig examples show usage in spatial descriptions and comparative assessments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far below" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is substantially lower or less than a specified point. It is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig. The phrase functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, emphasizing a significant difference, and is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though more prevalent in neutral to formal registers. When using the phrase, ensure the reference point is clear and that the difference is indeed significant, preventing potential overstatements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much lower

Emphasizes a significant difference in degree or level.

well below

Emphasizes that something is comfortably less than a certain level or standard.

considerably beneath

Highlights a substantial difference in position or status.

significantly under

Indicates a notable deficit or shortfall compared to a specific target or threshold.

noticeably less than

Highlights that the difference is easily observed or detected.

substantially lower than

More formal way to indicate a large difference.

dramatically under

Emphasizes a large deficit or shortage.

markedly inferior to

Focuses on the difference in quality.

farther down than

Focuses more on spatial position.

nowhere near as high as

Emphasizes that something is significantly less than anticipated or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "far below" in a sentence to describe a physical location?

You can use "far below" to describe a location that is significantly lower than another. For example, "The city lights twinkled "far below" the airplane's altitude."

What's a good alternative to "far below" when discussing performance standards?

Alternatives include "well below", "significantly under", or "much lower than", depending on the context and the degree of difference you want to emphasize.

How does "far below" differ from "slightly below"?

"Far below" indicates a large difference or separation, while "slightly below" suggests a minor or negligible difference. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the difference you are describing.

Is it correct to use "far below" in formal writing?

Yes, "far below" is suitable for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, be mindful of the specific context and ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Other options like "considerably beneath" can be employed for professional purposes.