go pretty far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go pretty far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has progressed significantly or to a considerable extent. Example: "With her determination and hard work, she can go pretty far in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Mr. Quinn can go pretty far.

The New York Times

But how camo can you go? Pretty far, actually.

The New York Times

"We expected to go pretty far" but did not expect to win, Ren said afterwards.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"If they get through this league, they can go pretty far".

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought he could go pretty far, put it that way".

The New York Times - Sports

"You have to go pretty far right to find Dick's natural constituency".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

And $20 went pretty far back then.

The New York Times - Sports

But he goes pretty far with his system.

The New Yorker

So I went pretty far out of my way to not be a fiction writer.

Princeton University

Mr. Sullivan was born in 1974 in Kentucky, where his family apparently goes pretty far back.

The New York Times - Books

So India has a jazz history that goes pretty far back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "go pretty far". It is often used in a positive or encouraging way to express confidence in someone's ability to succeed.

Common error

Avoid using "go pretty far" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound informal. Opt for more formal alternatives like "achieve significant progress" or "advance considerably" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go pretty far" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the extent of progress, achievement, or distance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go pretty far" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the potential for significant advancement or success. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English and suitable for various contexts. While mainly found in neutral to informal registers such as News & Media, it is less appropriate for highly formal academic or scientific writing. Consider using alternatives like "achieve significant progress" or "advance considerably" in those contexts. Its function is often to encourage or express optimism. Overall, understanding its nuances allows for effective and appropriate use in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go a long way

Implies significant progress or a considerable distance covered, often suggesting positive outcomes or impact.

advance considerably

Focuses on the degree of advancement achieved, highlighting substantial progress made.

progress significantly

Emphasizes the notable extent of progression, suggesting a marked improvement or development.

achieve great things

Highlights the accomplishment of significant achievements, focusing on the results obtained.

make considerable progress

Stresses the amount of progress achieved, indicating a substantial advancement towards a goal.

reach great heights

Suggests attaining high levels of success or achievement, emphasizing the ultimate outcome.

extend considerably

Focuses on the degree of extension or reach achieved, indicating a substantial expansion or increase.

succeed greatly

Highlights the substantial success achieved, focusing on the positive outcome of efforts.

travel extensively

Emphasizes the broad scope of travel, focusing on the vast distances covered.

move ahead substantially

Focuses on the significant advancement made, indicating a notable progression forward.

FAQs

What does it mean to "go pretty far"?

To "go pretty far" means to advance significantly, achieve a considerable level of success, or travel a great distance. It suggests a positive trajectory and the potential for substantial accomplishment.

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

You can use "go pretty far" to describe someone's potential or progress. For example, "If she continues to work hard, she can "go a long way" in her career" or "That investment could "advance considerably" if the market improves."

What are some alternatives to "go pretty far"?

Alternatives include "go a long way", "advance considerably", "progress significantly", or "achieve great things", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "go pretty far" appropriate for formal writing?

While "go pretty far" is grammatically correct, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "make considerable progress" or "reach great heights".