how far does it go

USAGE SUMMARY

"how far does it go" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a valid question phrase that is often used to ask about the extent or distance of something. Example: "I see the train tracks, but how far does it go?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

How far does it go?

The New York Times - Health

"How far does it go?" Mr. Cronin asked.

The New York Times

Here's the other thing: how far does it go?

The Guardian - Film

How far does it go?" A version of this question was raised at the elementary-school hearing again and again.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The Right to Know: How Far Does It Go?" (Jonathan Zittrain, moderator), Third Biennial Harvard Conference on Internet & Society, June 1, 2000.

Harvard University

Clarke initially struck an emollient tone for his backbenchers, saying: "I think behind all the heat there is a little light to be shed on whether we shouldn't, in the Council of Europe, address the question of how the court behaves – how far does it go into things which legislatures and national courts could actually determine?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

How far did it go and on whom?" She questioned why the process had not begun already, adding: "It's disgusting.

The Guardian

But, when we think about our range requirement, it's really how many hours of the day is the bus out on the road and how far does it have to go, and then how do we make sure that that bus is fully charged during the overnight period.

Columbia University

"How far back does it go?" asked the librarian.

The New Yorker

"He says to me, 'How far do I go?' " Mr. Rumsfeld told the reporters.

The New York Times

Creating problems to solve: 'Why does this dark feeling permeate in the least expected ways?' 'What does that look like?' 'How far do I fall?' 'How deep does it go?'".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how far does it go", ensure the context clearly defines 'it'. Ambiguity can confuse your audience. For example, specify 'How far does the new policy go in addressing climate change?' for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "how far does it go" without a clear reference. Saying 'We need changes, but how far does it go?' lacks specificity. Instead, address specific aspects, such as 'How far does the reform go in addressing economic inequality?'

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "how far does it go" is to form an interrogative clause which seeks to determine the extent, reach, or limit of something. It's used to inquire about the scope or degree to which something applies or extends. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how far does it go" is a grammatically correct and commonly used interrogative phrase to inquire about the extent, reach, or limits of something. Ludwig AI validates this, noting its frequent usage across news, academic, and general contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, ensure the context clearly defines 'it' to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "what is the scope?" or "where does it end?" can provide nuanced variations. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by specifying what 'it' refers to for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What is the reach of it?

Directly questions the range of influence or effect.

How far can it extend?

Focuses on the potential reach or scope.

Where does it end?

Emphasizes the termination point of an action or process.

What is the scope?

Highlights the range or extent of something.

What are its limits?

Focuses on setting boundaries rather than distance.

What's the degree of impact?

Focuses on assessing the magnitude of effect.

How extensive is it?

Asks about the breadth or comprehensiveness.

To what extent does it apply?

Focuses on the degree of applicability.

What are the implications?

Explores the consequences or effects.

What's the full potential?

Inquires about the maximum capacity or capability.

FAQs

How can I use "how far does it go" in a sentence?

Use "how far does it go" to inquire about the extent, reach, or limit of something. For example, "The investigation is underway, but "how far does it go" in uncovering the truth?"

What's an alternative to "how far does it go"?

Alternatives include "what is the scope", "where does it end", or "what are its limits" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "how far it goes" instead of "how far does it go"?

No, "how far it goes" is a statement, not a question. "How far does it go?" is the correct interrogative form, using the auxiliary verb 'does' to form the question.

In what contexts is "how far does it go" most appropriate?

It's suitable in discussions about the extent of policies, investigations, changes, or any process with a defined scope. It's frequently found in "news and media" and academic discussions.