get this far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get this far" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate progress or accomplishment, often in a challenging or difficult situation. Example: Despite facing many obstacles, I never thought I would get this far in my career as a musician.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How then did he get this far?

The Economist

How did it ever get this far?

The Economist

Did that help him get this far?

The New York Times

"Very few teams get this far.

The New York Times - Sports

How did they get this far?

The Guardian

I never thought he'd get this far.

The Guardian - Sport

And how did she get this far?

The Guardian

And how did it get this far?

The New York Times

I honestly did not think he would get this far".

The Guardian

June The race may not get this far.

The New York Times

He has done remarkably well to get this far.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get this far" to acknowledge significant progress or achievement, especially when the path has been challenging or uncertain. For example, "After years of hard work, I can't believe I've managed to get this far."

Common error

Avoid using "get this far" when simply describing a distance. This phrase implies a sense of accomplishment or overcoming obstacles, so it's not appropriate for neutral descriptions of physical distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get this far" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the achievement of a significant milestone or level of progress, often after overcoming obstacles. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get this far" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to denote significant progress or achievement, especially when challenges have been overcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure appropriateness. When looking for alternatives, consider phrases like ""reach this stage"" or ""advance to this point"" to convey similar meanings. Avoiding its use to describe neutral physical distances is also crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach this stage

Focuses on arriving at a particular point or phase in a process or journey.

achieve this level

Emphasizes attainment of a certain standard or degree of accomplishment.

advance to this point

Highlights the forward movement and progression made.

progress to this extent

Indicates the degree to which something has developed or grown.

come this far along

Implies a journey and the distance covered, often with an element of surprise or effort.

succeed to this degree

Highlights the successful outcome and the extent of that success.

make it this far

Focuses on overcoming obstacles and achieving a certain point despite difficulties.

arrive at this juncture

Emphasizes reaching a critical point or turning point in a situation.

attain this milestone

Highlights the achievement of a significant point in development.

develop to this stage

Focuses on the process of growth and evolution leading to the current state.

FAQs

How can I use "get this far" in a sentence?

Use "get this far" to express surprise or satisfaction at reaching a certain point, especially after overcoming challenges. For example: "I never expected the project to "get this far", but here we are."

What does "get this far" mean?

The phrase "get this far" means to reach a particular stage or level of progress, often implying effort, persistence, or unexpected success. It suggests that the journey was challenging or uncertain.

What can I say instead of "get this far"?

You can use alternatives like "reach this stage", "advance to this point", or "make it this far", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be this far" instead of "get this far"?

While "be this far" might be grammatically understandable, it lacks the idiomatic nuance of effort and accomplishment that ""get this far"" conveys. "Get this far" is the more common and expressive choice.