go back further than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go back further than" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that happened in the past, usually before some other event. For example, "We need to go back further than just the last four years to really understand the core issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

A lot of them go back further than you think.

Independent

The roots go back further than Kings Of Convenience.

The Guardian - Music

In fact, questions about political pressure on behalf of ShoreBank go back further than last week.

The New York Times

We were taught that the roots of yoga go back further than Hinduism itself".

The New York Times

But viewers can't go back further than two weeks to watch initial episodes.

The New York Times - Arts

If we go back further than that things start to get complicated.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

My inbox goes back further than that.

Independent

But it goes back further than that.

The Guardian

Or maybe it goes back further than that.

Yale University

But their relationship goes back further than that.

The New York Times - Magazine

My own meditation practice goes back further than that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go back further than", ensure that the comparison point is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Specify what you are comparing the extent or origin to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid limiting your analysis or investigation to recent events when earlier factors have a significant impact. By failing to "go back further than" the immediately preceding events, you risk missing crucial context and misinterpreting the overall situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go back further than" functions as a comparative adverbial phrase, used to indicate that something's origin, history, or scope extends beyond a specified point. As Ludwig explains, this is a common way to refer to events or origins preceding a certain timeframe.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go back further than" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed comparative phrase. As pointed out by Ludwig, it is utilized to suggest that the origins or history of something predate a specific event or time. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves the purpose of providing broader context, challenging assumptions, and encouraging a more comprehensive understanding. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the audience and writing style, as more formal alternatives may be suitable in certain academic or professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extend further back than

Focuses on the extension aspect, emphasizing reach into the past.

reach further into the past than

Emphasizes the act of reaching or investigating a more remote time.

originate earlier than

Highlights the point of origin being before a certain time.

date back earlier than

Specifically refers to establishing a date or time of origin.

have roots deeper than

Uses a metaphor to suggest that the origins are more profound or embedded.

precede by a greater margin than

Focuses on temporal precedence with a quantifiable aspect.

antedate more significantly than

A more formal way to say something came before another thing.

have a longer history than

Highlights the duration of history compared to another event or item.

occurred before, by a wider margin than

Emphasizes the difference in time between two occurrences.

existed prior to, for a longer period than

Focuses on the period of existence before a specific event.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "go back further than" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "extend further back than" or "antedate more significantly than" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "go back further than"?

Use "go back further than" when you want to emphasize that the roots, origins, or history of something extend beyond a particular point in time or event. It's helpful for providing a broader perspective.

What's a simpler way to say "go back further than"?

Simpler alternatives include "originate earlier than" or "have a longer history than", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "go back further than" appropriate for academic writing?

While "go back further than" is grammatically correct, it might be considered less formal for academic writing. In such contexts, consider alternatives such as "date back earlier than" or "precede by a greater margin than".