from afar

USAGE SUMMARY

"from afar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "from afar" to refer to a person or object that can be seen or experienced from a long distance away. For example, "We could see the majestic mountain from afar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Drums sound from afar.

The New Yorker

It came from afar.

The New Yorker

We watch from afar.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just admired him from afar.

The New Yorker

Older men observer from afar.

The New York Times

From afar, it seems empty.

The New Yorker

But that was from afar.

The New York Times

We see it from afar.

The New Yorker

He saw them from afar.

The New Yorker

Loved him from afar.

The New York Times

Sent from afar with gratitude and love.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from afar" to create a sense of distance, either physical or emotional, in your writing. It can add depth and nuance to descriptions and narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "from afar" when simply indicating distance. This phrase implies a sense of observation or detachment, not just spatial separation. Ensure your sentence reflects this observational or detached perspective.

Linguistic Context

The prepositional phrase "from afar" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the perspective or location from which an action is viewed or experienced. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, providing many examples from reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "from afar" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe observing or interacting with something from a distance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s considered correct and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, and Wiki sources, it conveys a sense of detachment, admiration, or limited involvement. While "from a distance" may describe space, "from afar" adds an observational, often emotional, layer. Remember to use "from afar" when you need to highlight that someone is observing or interacting from a significant distance with a touch of emotional detachment or admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from a distance

This alternative is more literal, focusing on physical separation.

from afar off

This alternative adds emphasis on the remoteness and distance.

at arm's length

This suggests a deliberate effort to maintain distance, often to avoid involvement.

in the distance

This focuses more on visual perception from a distance.

at a remove

This implies a separation in terms of involvement or connection.

remotely

This is a more concise adverbial form, implying distance or indirect involvement.

from a remote location

This explicitly states the separation in terms of location.

at long range

This alternative is often used in a military or technical context.

from the sidelines

This is specific to observing an event or situation without participating.

from out of range

This denotes a distance beyond the reach of something.

FAQs

How can I use "from afar" in a sentence?

Use "from afar" to describe observing something or someone from a distance, often implying a sense of detachment or admiration. For example, "He admired her "from afar" because he was too shy to approach her."

What's the difference between "from afar" and "from a distance"?

"From a distance" is a more general term simply indicating spatial separation. "From afar" implies observation or interaction from a considerable distance, often with an element of longing or detachment. You might see a mountain "from a distance", but admire someone "from afar".

What can I say instead of "from afar"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like ""from a distance"", "at arm's length", or "remotely". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "from afar" formal or informal?

"From afar" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the overall tone and style of your writing than on the specific situation. Other options like remotely might be more fitted to the formal contexts.