far from pristine

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "far from pristine" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not perfect or in a pristine condition. Example: Despite its historical significance, the ancient ruins were far from pristine, with centuries of wear and tear evident on its crumbling walls.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

That almost always involves things that are far from pristine.

The New York Times

And Beijing's air remains far from pristine by any measure.

The New York Times

The ships were functional, but far from pristine.

The New Yorker

At the same time, Reid's record with regard to natural resource industries is far from pristine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Forget the reality that the scoreline felt rather deceptive at times, with this far from pristine.

The Guardian - Sport

Trent Lott's loose tongue recently reminded Americans that the Republican record on race is far from pristine.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In the fall issue of T Design, the designer John Derian invites us into his New York apartment, a former artist's studio whose far-from-pristine interior he left largely intact, while orchestrating meticulous but comfortable arrangements of objects and furnishings.

The New York Times

The winning bid of $29.7 million, for a far-from-pristine 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 grand prix racecar driven by Juan Manuel Fangio in what many consider to have been the golden era of Formula One racing, was more than a gasp-inducing sum destined to become a cocktail party conversation-starter.

The New York Times

Gritty New York subway stations littered with movie posters, product shoutouts, and Seamless advertisements are about as far removed from pristine gallery spaces as it gets.

Vice

But the park where the group spots the loris is far from a pristine forest.

The Guardian

In fact, far from being pristine, uninhabited wilderness, the refuge is sacred ground to the Gwich'in people, who have long inhabited this landscape.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of historical artifacts, use "far from pristine" to acknowledge age and use while maintaining respect for their value. For example, "While the manuscript was far from pristine, its historical significance was undeniable."

Common error

Avoid using "far from pristine" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language is expected. Instead, opt for specific descriptions of the condition, such as "exhibiting significant degradation" or "showing considerable wear".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from pristine" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is not in its original, untouched, or perfect condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far from pristine" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe something that is not in perfect or original condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, and offers a more descriptive alternative to simpler terms like "damaged" or "imperfect". While versatile, be mindful of overuse in highly formal settings where more precise descriptions might be preferred. The related phrases offer a selection of close and suitable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less than pristine

Direct synonym with less intensity

not in perfect condition

Emphasizes the lack of flawlessness; focuses on the absence of an ideal state.

in a state of disrepair

Highlights the deterioration or damage present; suggests a need for restoration.

showing signs of wear and tear

Focuses on the visible evidence of use and age; emphasizes the impact of time.

less than immaculate

Underlines the absence of absolute cleanliness or perfection; suggests minor flaws.

not exactly spotless

Implies the presence of some degree of dirt or imperfection; downplays the severity of the issue.

somewhat deteriorated

Highlights the process of declining quality over time; suggests a gradual decline.

bearing imperfections

Directly states the existence of flaws or defects; emphasizes the non-ideal nature.

not entirely unblemished

Indicates the presence of marks or flaws that detract from perfection; nuanced affirmation.

displaying damage

Highlights visible harm or injury; focuses on the adverse effects of external forces.

FAQs

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

You can use "far from pristine" to describe something that is not in its original or perfect condition. For example, "The antique car was beautiful, but "far from pristine", with several scratches and dents."

What's a less formal alternative to "far from pristine"?

For a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "not in great shape", "a bit rough around the edges", or "showing its age" instead of "far from pristine".

Which is more appropriate: "far from pristine" or "not pristine"?

"Far from pristine" often carries a stronger emphasis than "not pristine", suggesting a more significant departure from the original condition. "Not pristine" is a more neutral statement, while "far from pristine" implies a noticeable degree of wear or damage.

What are some synonyms for "far from pristine" related to cleanliness?

If you want to emphasize a lack of cleanliness, you might consider alternatives such as "not spotless", "not immaculate", or "unclean". However, remember that "far from pristine" can also refer to other types of imperfections beyond just cleanliness.