further apart than

USAGE SUMMARY

"further apart than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to compare the difference in distance between two things. For example: "The two cities are further apart than many people realize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the two sides seem further apart than ever.

The Economist

"The two sides are further apart than ever," said Ayrault last week.

The Guardian

In the state this year, the insurers and their regulators are further apart than ever.

The New York Times

The parties are further apart than ever: Left and right are back.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition, they naturally appear further apart than ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

The police cordons made the groups seem further apart than they actually were.

The Guardian

And indeed, both sides' real positions are further apart than their official ones.

The Economist

On many other issues, the Conservatives and Liberals are even further apart than are the Conservatives and Labour.

University of California, Berkeley

Yet, the feeling that Democrats and Republicans are further apart than they used to be is upon inspection of the evidence more because of Republicans than Democrats.

The Guardian - Opinion

The cheekbones are a clue, but his eyes seem further apart than you expect – it's a model's face, more attractive in 2D.

The Guardian - Film

But Mr. McIver suggested that 1199 was asking the impossible, saying, "If you take their expectations and our ability to pay, we start further apart than ever before".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "further apart than" to describe both physical and abstract distances, such as differences in opinions or ideologies.

Common error

Avoid substituting "further" with "farther" when describing non-physical distances. While "farther" relates to physical distance, "further" is appropriate for abstract concepts. It's more correct to say "Their views are "further apart than" ever" not "Their views are farther apart than ever".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "further apart than" functions as a comparative, primarily used to emphasize the degree of separation or divergence between two or more entities. Ludwig examples confirm its ability to describe both physical and abstract differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "further apart than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative expression, as Ludwig AI confirms. It serves to emphasize the degree of separation or divergence between two subjects, whether physical or abstract. While versatile, it's important to distinguish it from "farther", reserving "further" for non-physical contexts. Its widespread presence in news and media, as well as scientific literature, underscores its neutral register and broad applicability. By considering alternatives and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use "further apart than" to convey clear and impactful comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more distant than

Replaces "further apart" with "more distant", emphasizing separation.

more separated than

Substitutes "apart" with "separated", highlighting the act of becoming divided.

growing further away than

Similar to "further apart", but with more emphasis on motion and direction.

widening gap between

Uses a metaphorical gap to illustrate increasing distance or differences.

more estranged than

Emphasizes emotional or relational distance, implying a breakdown in connection.

more at odds than

Implies conflict or disagreement, where differences are pronounced.

more divergent than

Focuses on differences and deviation, rather than physical distance.

increasingly distant from

Highlights the ongoing process of growing separation.

less aligned than

Indicates a lack of agreement or shared purpose, diverging from a common point.

less in sync than

Highlights a lack of coordination or harmony, emphasizing the absence of togetherness.

FAQs

How can I use "further apart than" in a sentence?

Use "further apart than" to compare the degree of separation between two or more things, whether physically, ideologically, or emotionally. For example, "The two cities are "further apart than" I imagined".

What's a good alternative to "further apart than"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "more distant than", "more separated than", or "more estranged than". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys the idea of increased separation. Consider using "more divergent than" when describing abstract concepts.

Is it correct to use "farther apart than" instead of "further apart than"?

While "farther" technically refers to physical distance, "further" can refer to both physical and metaphorical distances. Therefore, "further apart than" is generally more versatile and appropriate, particularly in non-physical contexts. Using "further apart than" maintains consistency.

What does it mean when things are described as "further apart than ever"?

It signifies that the degree of separation, whether physical, emotional, or ideological, is greater than it has been at any previous time. This suggests a significant divergence or estrangement, emphasizing that something is "more distant than ever".