go far

USAGE SUMMARY

"go far" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it typically means to achieve success or make significant progress. Some examples of when you can use "go far" in a sentence are: - "With hard work and determination, I know you will go far in your career." - "Her natural talent for networking will help her go far in the business world." - "Don't underestimate her, she has the potential to go far in this competition." - "Never give up on your dreams, they can take you far if you work hard and believe in yourself." In these examples, "go far" is used to indicate future success or progress. It can also be used as a way to encourage or motivate someone to reach their goals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"TOGETHER we'll go far".

The Economist

Others go far afield.

The New York Times

They don't go far".

The New York Times

You'll go far.

Princeton University

Common sense will go far.

The New York Times

"Oh, he won't go far.

The New Yorker

It did not go far.

The Economist

Those cases don't go far".

The New Yorker

They don't go far enough.

The New Yorker

Go far afield.

Harvard Business Review

She'll go far.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go far", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to achieving success or covering a physical distance. If referring to success, specify the area in which someone is expected to excel, such as "go far in their career".

Common error

Avoid using "go far" when you mean someone is already successful. The phrase implies future success or potential. Instead, describe their current achievements directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go far" primarily functions as an intransitive verb phrase. It indicates potential for future achievement or progress. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage, emphasizing its role in predicting success based on current qualities or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go far" is a common and versatile expression signifying either the achievement of significant success or the covering of a considerable distance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its communicative power lies in its ability to convey optimism and encouragement, highlighting the potential for future accomplishments. While generally neutral in register, the best practice involves ensuring clarity in the context, distinguishing between success and physical distance. Remember that "go far" suggests future potential rather than current success, making it ideal for motivational contexts or predictions of future achievements. With strong support from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, the phrase is a reliable and effective addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve great success

Focuses on the outcome of achieving a high level of success.

reach the top

Emphasizes reaching the highest point in a career or field.

make significant progress

Highlights the advancement made, rather than overall success.

advance considerably

Focuses on the degree of advancement or progress achieved.

become highly successful

Emphasizes the transformation into a state of high success.

have a bright future

Highlights the potential for future success and advancement.

travel extensively

Refers to covering a great distance in travel, either physically or metaphorically.

get ahead in life

Focuses on progressing and improving one's position in life.

rise to prominence

Emphasizes the act of becoming well-known and respected.

prosper greatly

Highlights the idea of thriving and flourishing in terms of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "go far" to express the potential for future success, as in "With your talent, you'll "go far" in the arts", or to indicate traveling a significant distance.

What's a good alternative to "go far" when referring to career advancement?

Alternatives to "go far" in a career context include "achieve success", "advance considerably", or "rise to prominence depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone "has gone far"?

Yes, saying someone "has gone far" is correct. It implies that they have already achieved a significant level of success or have traveled a great distance. For example, "She has "gone far" in her career since joining the company".

What is the difference between "go far" and "go the distance"?

"Go far" suggests achieving a high level of success or traveling a significant distance. "Go the distance", on the other hand, means to persevere and complete something despite challenges. While related, they emphasize different aspects: achievement versus endurance.