how far is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'how far is' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to ask a question about the distance between two points or locations. For example, "How far is it from Paris to London?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How far is it?

The New York Times

How far is that?

The New York Times - Arts

— How far is the house?

The New Yorker

HOW far is the race?

The New York Times

"How far is Slovenia?

The Guardian

But how far is too far?

The New York Times

How far is her pessimism justified?

Independent

How far is an astronomical unit, anyhow?

Britannica

How far is the nearest shop?

Independent

And how far is that?

The New York Times

How far is too far?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking about distance, be specific with your starting and ending points to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of asking "How far is it?", ask "How far is it from New York to Los Angeles?"

Common error

Avoid using "how far is" when referring to abstract concepts like progress or agreement. Instead of saying "How far is the agreement?", use phrases like "How close are we to an agreement?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how far is" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the distance between two points or the extent of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is standard English and widely applicable in various contexts. Examples on Ludwig illustrate its use in asking about physical distances, abstract concepts, and progress toward a goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how far is" serves as an interrogative phrase to ask about distance, extent, or progress. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in English, supported by numerous examples across varied contexts. While adaptable to different formality levels, it's essential to maintain clarity by specifying reference points or using alternative phrasings when discussing abstract concepts. Its frequent presence in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian shows its widespread usage in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how much further is

Implies movement and asks about the remaining distance.

what's the distance to

Focuses specifically on the physical distance to a location.

how long is the distance to

Similar to asking about distance, but includes 'how long'.

at what distance lies

More formal and literary way of asking about distance.

what is the gap between

Focuses on the interval or disparity between two things.

what is the separation between

Focuses on the separation, whether physical or abstract.

how remote is

Emphasizes the remoteness or inaccessibility of a place.

how proximate is

Asks about nearness. The opposite of remote.

to what extent does

Shifts from physical distance to the extent of an action or condition.

what's the reach of

Inquires about the range or influence of something.

FAQs

What's the difference between "how far is" and "what is the distance to"?

While both phrases inquire about distance, "how far is" is more common and versatile. "What is the distance to" emphasizes a precise measurement. You can use alternatives like "what's the distance to" depending on the desired tone.

How can I use "how far is" in a sentence?

You can use "how far is" to ask about the distance between two locations, the extent of something, or the degree to which something is true. For example: "How far is the moon from Earth?", or "How far is this plan going to take us?".

What can I say instead of "how far is" when discussing abstract ideas?

When discussing abstract ideas, consider alternatives like "to what extent", "how much", or "what's the reach of". For example, instead of "How far is the project complete?", try "To what extent is the project complete?"

Is it correct to use "how far is" to ask about time?

While "how far is" primarily refers to physical distance, it can also be used metaphorically to inquire about time, especially in the context of progress or a goal. You can also use "how much time" or "how long" for clarity.