far from ordinary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far from ordinary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is exceptional or unique, contrasting it with what is typical or mundane. Example: "Her artistic talent is far from ordinary; it captivates everyone who sees her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But he was far from ordinary.

The Economist

Already her life has been far from ordinary.

The New York Times

But this budget process is far from ordinary.

The New York Times

Kureishi's grandfather and uncles were far from ordinary.

The Guardian - Books

But the arrival of this $70 million Universal Pictures release was far from ordinary.

The New York Times

But try growing them yourself, and you will find that carrots are far from ordinary.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Like their counterparts in medieval Europe, Cambodian kings were far removed from ordinary people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He argues in an eve-of-launch article in the Financial Times that whereas in the past foreign policy seemed "far removed from ordinary life", it now has a "direct impact on our daily lives".

The Economist

Extreme upward or downward angles are too far removed from ordinary experience to have many applications in motion pictures, but they may express exceptional situations a sick man on his back, a baby's or a dog's point of view, a man in a pit or in a coffin, a spy covertly looking down on an enemy meeting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Leibniz's philosophy, in contrast, is often very abstract and far removed from ordinary opinions.

SEP

In existing, large nation-states, representative institutions are already far removed from ordinary citizens, who feel largely disempowered and disaffected (Young 2000, 270 271).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far from ordinary" to add emphasis when describing something that possesses unique qualities or stands out from the norm. It's more impactful than simply saying something is 'unique' or 'special'.

Common error

Avoid using "far from ordinary" too frequently in your writing. While it's a useful phrase, overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your descriptions with synonyms like "exceptional", "remarkable", or "unique" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from ordinary" functions as an adjectival modifier, adding emphasis to a noun by highlighting its exceptional or unusual qualities. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase effectively conveys that something deviates from the norm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far from ordinary" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to emphasize the unique and exceptional qualities of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "unique" or "exceptional" exist, "far from ordinary" adds a layer of contrast, highlighting the deviation from the norm. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid repetition in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique

Stresses the distinct and unparalleled nature of something.

out of the ordinary

Similar in structure to the original, but emphasizes stepping outside normal boundaries.

extraordinary

Highlights the exceptional nature, going beyond what is usual or expected.

exceptional

Focuses on something being above the average or standard.

remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and unusual quality of something.

uncommon

A single word capturing the essence of not being frequently found or seen.

atypical

Highlights the deviation from the norm or standard.

not run-of-the-mill

More informal, emphasizing that something is not standard or typical.

singular

Indicates uniqueness and being one of a kind.

unconventional

Focuses on not conforming to accepted standards or norms.

FAQs

How can I use "far from ordinary" in a sentence?

You can use "far from ordinary" to describe something that is exceptional, unusual, or not typical. For example: "Her talent is "far from ordinary", captivating everyone who sees her work."

What are some alternatives to "far from ordinary"?

Some alternatives include "unique", "exceptional", "remarkable", or "out of the ordinary", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "far from ordinary" or "extraordinary"?

Both "far from ordinary" and "extraordinary" are suitable, but "far from ordinary" provides a slightly more emphatic contrast against the mundane, while "extraordinary" directly asserts exceptional quality.

What part of speech is "far from ordinary"?

"Far from ordinary" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is not typical or average.