how distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how distant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about the degree of separation or remoteness in terms of physical distance, emotional distance, or time. Example: "I often wonder how distant the stars are from us in the universe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Footsteps – how distant?

The Guardian

"How distant the goal is another matter".

The New York Times

How distant did 2001 seem?

The New York Times - Sports

How distant Sadiq Khan's victory looks now.

University of California, Berkeley

How distant now the world of Timothy seems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Memories, no matter how distant, generally work in our favour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How distant is this Apollo from the one in Aeschylus?

The New York Times

ALASKANS like to talk about how distant the rest of America feels.

The Economist

We could reflect on how distant we are from an egalitarian society.

The Guardian - Opinion

How distant that feels today, with Donald Trump in the picture.

The Guardian - Opinion

How distant and dreamlike those oldies must have seemed to Carole King in 1971.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how distant" to express not just physical distance, but also emotional or temporal remoteness. This adds depth to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "how distant" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for "how far away" or similar alternatives in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how distant" functions as an interrogative phrase introducing a question about the degree of separation or remoteness. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is frequently used to inquire about perceived distances, both physical and metaphorical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how distant" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to inquire about or describe the degree of separation, be it physical, temporal, or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across diverse sources. While "how distant" is prevalent in news media, academia, and science, its formality might make it less suitable for casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "how far away" or "what is the distance" in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how far away

Focuses on physical distance rather than emotional or temporal distance.

what is the distance

More direct and less evocative; inquires about a specific measurement.

to what extent is it removed

More formal and emphasizes the degree of separation.

how remote

Similar, but emphasizes inaccessibility or isolation.

how far removed

Similar, but might suggest an active process of removal.

what degree of remoteness

Emphasizes the abstract quality of being distant.

how estranged

Specifically refers to emotional or relational distance.

how separated

Emphasizes a division or lack of connection.

what is the gap

Highlights a difference or disparity rather than pure distance.

how much separation exists

A more descriptive and less concise way of expressing the idea.

FAQs

What does "how distant" mean?

The phrase "how distant" refers to the degree of separation or remoteness, which can be in terms of physical space, time, or even emotional connection.

How can I use "how distant" in a sentence?

You can use "how distant" to inquire about or describe the perceived distance between things, ideas, or people. For example: "How distant does the future seem?" or "They discussed how distant they felt from their families."

What can I say instead of "how distant"?

You can use alternatives like "how far away", "what is the distance", or "how remote", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "how distant" to describe feelings?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use "how distant" to describe emotional distance. For example, you might say, "I realized how distant I had become from my friends".