how far it went

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how far it went" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to ask about the extent or distance that something went or traveled. For example: 1. "We launched the rocket and were amazed at how far it went." 2. "I can't believe how far it went without any fuel left." 3. "Can you tell me how far it went before it crashed?" 4. "We tracked the hurricane's path and measured how far it went inland."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"They know just how far it went".

The New Yorker

But Branch shows how far it went — beyond extremity to morbid depravity.

The New York Times - Books

She never cottoned on, often expressing surprise at how far it went).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I remember looking at the thread and pondering how far it went, and how far I could go.

The Guardian - Travel

How far it went, whether the orders came from Phnom Penh or at the initiative or local Khmer Rouge commanders, cannot be measured".

The Guardian

"I don't know how far it went," Gomez said, "but I do know it took somebody 45 minutes to go up there and get it back".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Why not see how far it goes?

The New Yorker

And how far it goes is hard to say.

Independent

"We don't know how far it goes," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Who gets the blame and how far it goes are questions already consuming Washington.

The New York Times

Just hit it and don't look how far it goes".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how far it went" when you want to know the extent or distance something has traveled, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The investigation revealed how far the corruption went within the company."

Common error

Avoid using "further" or "farthest" when "far" is appropriate. "Further" implies a comparative distance, while "farthest" indicates the greatest distance. Use "how far it went" for a general measure of distance traveled, not a comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how far it went" functions primarily as a relative clause, often introducing a question or statement about the extent or degree to which something has progressed or traveled. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how far it went" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase primarily functioning as a relative clause. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves the purpose of inquiring about or indicating the extent, scope, or distance of something, whether literal or metaphorical. While suitable for various contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of its comparative nature and ensure you choose "far" over "further" or "farthest" unless a comparison is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what distance it traveled

Directly inquires about the length of the journey or movement, suitable for physical distances.

to what extent it reached

Focuses on the degree or limit achieved, emphasizing the final point reached rather than the act of going.

how much ground it covered

Emphasizes the area or distance traversed, particularly suitable when discussing physical movement or progress.

how advanced it became

Focuses on the level of progress or development achieved.

the scope of its influence

Shifts the focus to the impact or effect something had, rather than the physical distance.

the degree of its impact

Emphasizes the magnitude or intensity of the effect something had.

how deeply it penetrated

Emphasizes the depth of entry or effect, often used metaphorically or literally for physical penetration.

the limit of its expansion

Highlights the final boundary or extent of growth or spread.

how prolonged its duration was

Shifts the focus to the length of time something lasted, rather than the distance covered.

what stage it attained

Focuses on the level or point of development reached in a process or endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "how far it went" to inquire about the extent, degree, or distance that something traveled or progressed. For example, "The investigation revealed "how far it went" into the organization."

What's a more formal way to say "how far it went"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases such as "to what extent did it progress" or "what was the scope of its reach" instead of ""how far it went"".

Can "how far it went" be used metaphorically?

Yes, ""how far it went"" can be used metaphorically to describe the extent of influence, impact, or involvement in a situation. For instance, "It was shocking to see how far the deception went."

What are some common synonyms for "how far it went"?

Common synonyms include "what distance it traveled", "the extent to which it reached", or "the degree of its progression", depending on the specific context.