go back far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go back far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the distance in time or space that something or someone has traveled or existed. Example: "The history of this ancient civilization goes back far, tracing its roots to over 5,000 years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He said everybody's from Brooklyn if you go back far enough".

The New York Times

Measurements do not go back far enough for that, study author Silvano said.

The Washington Post

Go back far enough, and you'll find out most Iranian families are blue-blooded, she says.

The Guardian - Film

The health problems of Texas go back far beyond Governor Bush and Dr. Archer.

The New York Times

Go back far enough in history and a simple "rule of thumb" governed investment decisions in difficult times.

Independent

(Or perhaps, if you go back far enough, again on the griddle). In either case, biscuits tended to be dry.

The New York Times - Magazine

This insightful look at actors and their influence on the election of President Obama does not go back far enough.

The New York Times

If you go back far enough, human beings aren't native to any part of the world except Africa.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Alas, I think that he may not have gone back far enough.

The New York Times

So we went back far enough and we were like, 95?

The Guardian - Tech

Going back far enough in time, Britain has been separated from the continent several times as sea levels changed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "go back far", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject and scope of the historical or genealogical investigation. For example, specify if you're discussing family history, a historical event, or data records.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "go back far" without providing context. Instead of saying 'If you go back far, things were different', specify what 'things' you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go back far" functions as a verb phrase indicating the extent to which something extends into the past. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, denoting temporal depth or historical reach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go back far" is a commonly used expression to indicate that something has roots or origins in the distant past. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media and academic contexts. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify what exactly "goes back far" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "date back a long way" or "extend back significantly". By providing context and being specific, you can effectively use "go back far" to add historical depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revisit the distant past

Emphasizes a return to a more remote period, shifting the focus to the temporal aspect.

delve into ancient history

Suggests a more in-depth investigation of historical events, focusing on thoroughness.

examine historical roots

Highlights an exploration of origins and foundations, adding a layer of causality.

consider past events

Offers a broader perspective, encompassing any type of occurrence from the past, less specific.

trace back to the origin

Focuses on identifying the initial point or source of something, highlighting causality.

look back at earlier times

Provides a general reflection on previous periods, emphasizing reflection.

reminisce about bygone eras

Implies a nostalgic contemplation of past times, adding an emotional element.

reflect on former days

Suggests a contemplative review of earlier experiences, shifting to personal reflection.

remember days of old

Emphasizes remembering historical periods or events, bringing a sense of history.

think back to yesteryear

Invites remembering or considering events of a previous year, focuses on temporality.

FAQs

How can I use "go back far" in a sentence?

You can use "go back far" to refer to tracing origins or history. For example, "If you "go back far" enough in your family history, you'll find many interesting stories."

What does "go back far" mean?

The phrase "go back far" indicates that something has origins in the distant past, or that relationships or events have a long history.

What are some phrases similar to "go back far"?

Similar phrases include "date back a long way", "extend back significantly", or "have ancient origins".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "go back far"?

The phrase "go back far" is suitable when discussing history, ancestry, or the evolution of ideas or events. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.