far off

USAGE SUMMARY

"far off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a location that is distant or to denote something that is unlikely to occur. Example: She could only look longingly at the far off shore that she wished to visit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Both are far off.

The Economist

Not far off".

The New Yorker

"It's not that far off.

The New York Times - Sports

"They're not that far off".

The New York Times - Sports

"Is this that far off?

The New York Times

Although consensus remains far off.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

How far off-target?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's a far-off target.

The New York Times

The restoration of democracy looks far-off.

The Economist

That is still a far-off prospect.

The Economist

Ted moved to far-off Anchorage, Alaska.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far off" to describe events, times, or goals that are distant or unlikely to happen soon. For example, "A peaceful resolution seems far off."

Common error

While similar, "far off" generally refers to distance, while "further off" implies a greater degree of improbability or advancement in a process. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far off" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing something that is distant either in space or time. Ludwig indicates that this is a common and acceptable usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far off" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe distance in space, time, or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and frequently used. While synonyms like "distant" and "remote" exist, the choice depends on the specific context. Remember to avoid using "far off" interchangeably with "further off" and consider the nuances of each phrase to maintain precision in your writing. As demonstrated by various sources, including The New York Times and The Economist, "far off" maintains a neutral register suitable for a broad range of communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distant

Single word that conveys the sense of being remote in space or time.

remote

Highlights the inaccessibility or isolation of something.

afar

More literary and emphasizes the distance from the speaker.

in the distance

Specifies that something is located at a considerable distance.

a long way off

Implies a considerable spatial or temporal separation.

not close

Simple and direct way to express that something is not nearby.

out of reach

Indicates that something is not attainable or accessible.

beyond the horizon

Evokes a sense of remoteness, often in a metaphorical sense.

at arm's length

Suggests keeping something at a distance, either physically or emotionally.

over the horizon

Describes being beyond what is immediately visible or conceivable.

FAQs

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

You can use "far off" to describe something distant in space, time, or possibility. For example: "The mountains looked "distant" and far off" or "A solution to the problem seems "a long way off"".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "far off"?

Alternatives to "far off" include "remote", "distant", "a long way off", or "in the distance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "further off" instead of "far off"?

While both phrases relate to distance, "far off" is generally used for spatial or temporal distance, while "further off" can imply a greater degree of progress or improbability. Therefore, it depends on the context.

What's the difference between "far off" and "remote"?

"Far off" generally describes something that is distant, while "remote" often implies isolation or inaccessibility. For example, a "far off" island might be visible, but a "remote" island is harder to reach.