further back than that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "further back than that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a point in time or space that is more distant than a previously mentioned reference point. Example: "The historical records indicate that the event occurred further back than that, possibly in the early 1800s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"It goes further back than that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But their relationship goes further back than that.

The New York Times - Sports

However, Scape's roots go a long way further back than that.

The Guardian - Music

Things, oddly, actually get a bit better when you go further back than that.

The New York Times

Evidence was uncovered that points to humans cooking food as far back as a million years ago and some scientists believe it was even further back than that.

The New York Times

Indeed, ask experienced theater folks which performers might compare to Mr. Mitchell, and the names that surface are from decades past, including Richard Kiley during the 1960's and others from even further back than that.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

I admire models that go further back than this — if you're claiming that a variable is truly fundamental, it ought to hold up under a variety of different economic and social milieus.

The New York Times

He discovered that the Egyptian historical records went much further back than the Greek ones and that Egyptian customs were the reverse of those he knew (which he called "the common practice of mankind").

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, if you believe that you need an employee's history further back than 7 years, you can request that the history is included in your report.

WikiHow

But the island is steeped in history that goes further back than tourism.

The New York Times - Travel

You might be able to claim further back than six years on a policy that has ended, but you will need original paperwork as sellers are only obliged to keep records for six years.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "further back than that", ensure the context clearly establishes the initial reference point to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "further back than that" without clearly defining the initial temporal reference point. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "further back than that" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies a time earlier than a previously mentioned point, providing temporal context. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Independent

8%

Huffington Post

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

The New York Times - Food

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "further back than that" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a time earlier than a previously referenced point. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "further back than that", it's essential to ensure the initial temporal reference is clear to avoid confusion. While not overly formal, it can be replaced with more precise alternatives like "prior to that time" in highly formal settings. Remember to provide clear context for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earlier than that

A more direct and simple way of indicating a prior time.

before that

Simple and direct, lacks the emphasis on a longer duration.

dating back further

Focuses on the act of tracing something to an earlier time.

further in the past

Emphasizes distance in time.

extending back further

Implies a gradual reach into the past.

at an earlier date

Highlights a specific point in time.

prior to that time

More formal and specific about the temporal reference.

preceding that event

Emphasizes the sequence of events.

in earlier times

Broader reference to the past, less precise.

way back when

Informal and emphasizes a distant past.

FAQs

How can I use "further back than that" in a sentence?

Use "further back than that" to indicate a point in time earlier than a previously mentioned one. For example, "The research showed evidence dating to the 1950s, but the origins likely go "further back than that"".

What's a simple alternative to "further back than that"?

A simpler alternative is "earlier than that". It's more direct and works well in most contexts.

Is "further back than that" formal or informal?

The phrase "further back than that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives like "prior to that time".

How does "further back than that" differ from "before that"?

"Further back than that" emphasizes a greater distance in time compared to "before that". While "before that" simply indicates something happened earlier, "further back than that" suggests a more significant difference in time.