far from perfect

USAGE SUMMARY

"far from perfect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is not ideal, but still has some merits. For example: "The painting was far from perfect, but still worth admiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's far from perfect".

The New York Times

These are far from perfect.

The Economist

It is far from perfect.

The New York Times

"I'm far from perfect".

The Guardian - Music

Things are far from perfect.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"And I played far from perfect".

The New York Times - Sports

The movie is far from perfect.

The New Yorker

The Senate bill is far from perfect.

The New York Times

The Times is far from perfect.

The New York Times

This system is far from perfect.

The Economist

The EU is far from perfect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far from perfect" to acknowledge shortcomings while still implying value or potential. For instance, "The solution is "far from perfect", but it's a step in the right direction."

Common error

While versatile, relying too heavily on "far from perfect" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "not ideal" or "less than satisfactory" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from perfect" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is not ideal or has flaws. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far from perfect" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge imperfections while often implying underlying value. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage across diverse sources, predominantly in news and media, but also in scientific and academic writing. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, be mindful of overuse in formal writing and consider synonyms for variety. The phrase serves to set realistic expectations and temper criticism, making it a useful addition to your linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far from faultless

Using "faultless" instead of "perfect" highlights the presence of errors or shortcomings.

far from flawless

Similar to "far from faultless", but emphasizes the absence of any blemishes or imperfections.

far from impeccable

This suggests something lacks the highest standards of excellence and flawlessness.

far from perfected

Emphasizes the process of becoming perfect is incomplete.

far from perfection

Highlights the abstract concept of perfection being unattained.

significantly from perfect

This alternative adds emphasis on the degree to which something deviates from perfection.

far from brilliant

This alternative suggests a lack of exceptional quality or intelligence.

far from great

A more general way of saying something is not of high quality or standard.

far from lovely

This implies a lack of aesthetic appeal or pleasantness.

far from pristine

Suggests a lack of original condition; something may be worn or damaged.

FAQs

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

"Far from perfect" is used to describe something that has flaws or is not ideal, but may still be acceptable or useful. For example: "The plan is "far from perfect", but it's the best we have."

What are some alternatives to saying "far from perfect"?

Alternatives include "not ideal", "imperfect", "flawed", or "less than satisfactory". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "far from perfect" or "not perfect"?

"Far from perfect" often carries a slightly stronger connotation than "not perfect", implying a more significant deviation from the ideal. "Not perfect" is a more neutral statement.

Can "far from perfect" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "far from perfect" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing and speech. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "suboptimal" or "deficient" depending on the meaning you want to convey.