go the distance

USAGE SUMMARY

"go the distance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean persist in order to achieve a goal or complete an endeavor, despite difficulties. For example: "No matter how tough things get, I'm determined to go the distance and finish this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Olympians go the distance.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm prepared to go the distance".

The New York Times - Sports

Not everyone can go the distance".

The New York Times

Can it go the distance?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He can go the distance.

The New Yorker

Will she go the distance?

The Guardian

Can he go the distance?

The New York Times - Sports

It can go the distance.

The Guardian - Tech

No word whether they'll go the distance.

MIT Technology Review

"I don't want to go the distance.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And so, together, we will go the distance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go the distance" in your writing, ensure the context clearly implies a sustained effort or challenge that needs to be overcome. It is often used to describe a person's or entity's ability to persist through difficulties to achieve a long-term goal.

Common error

Avoid using "go the distance" to describe short-term or easily achievable goals. The phrase implies a significant commitment of time and effort. Instead, use more appropriate phrases such as "complete the task" or "achieve the objective."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go the distance" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used idiomatically. Ludwig AI confirms its typical meaning involves persisting in order to achieve a goal or complete an endeavor, despite difficulties. Examples show its usage in contexts ranging from sports to personal determination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go the distance" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that signifies perseverance and commitment to achieving a long-term goal despite challenges. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s grammatically correct and versatile, appearing in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using the phrase, ensure the context implies a significant commitment of time and effort, and avoid using it for short-term or easily achievable goals. Alternatives such as "persevere" or "stay the course" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cross the finish line

Literally refers to completing a race but is often used metaphorically to indicate achieving a final goal after great effort.

see it through

Suggests completing a task or project, highlighting dedication to finishing.

endure to the end

Emphasizes lasting until the conclusion, highlighting a test of stamina and resilience.

stay the course

Implies maintaining a chosen path or strategy, emphasizing steadfastness and avoiding deviation.

persevere

Focuses on continuing despite difficulty, lacking the specific implication of reaching an end goal.

keep pushing

Emphasizes continuous effort and overcoming obstacles, but lacks the sense of completing a full journey.

finish strong

Highlights a powerful conclusion, emphasizing the quality of the final effort.

remain committed

Highlights dedication and unwavering support, without necessarily implying a strenuous journey.

maintain momentum

Focuses on sustaining progress and avoiding stagnation.

give it your all

Implies maximum effort and dedication, without a necessary temporal dimension.

FAQs

How can I use "go the distance" in a sentence?

You can use "go the distance" to describe someone's ability to persevere through a long and difficult challenge, such as "She is determined to "go the distance" and finish her degree, no matter how tough it gets."

What does it mean to "go the distance" in a boxing context?

In boxing, "go the distance" means to last the entire scheduled number of rounds in a match, rather than being knocked out or having the fight stopped early. It signifies endurance and resilience.

What are some alternatives to saying "go the distance"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "persevere", "stay the course", or "see it through" as alternatives to "go the distance".

Is it correct to say "gone the distance"?

"Gone the distance" is the past participle form of the idiom "go the distance". It is grammatically correct and used to describe someone who has successfully completed a long or arduous task or event. For example, "He has "gone the distance" and achieved his lifelong dream."