how far we are

USAGE SUMMARY

"how far we are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the progress of something, or to emphasize that the distance between two points is great. Example: "We have come a long way, but I still wonder how far we are from getting the project finished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I just want to know how far we are ready.

The New York Times

That depends on how far we are willing to push.

The Guardian

By comparing engineered legged systems with animals we address how far we are from nature.

Bioinspired Legged Locomotion Models, Concepts, Control and Applications

Its premature death would signal how far we are from escaping that legacy.

The New York Times - Arts

What the strike in Chicago mainly illustrates is how far we are from that goal.

The New York Times

But it mainly confirmed how far we are from understanding our place in the new global economy.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's really borderline, and I just wonder how far we are going to go regulating people's lives".

The New York Times

Walter demonstrates just how far we are still willing to go to protect traditional notions of sex difference.

The Guardian - Books

I believe in gender equality, and am under no illusion about how far we are from achieving it.

The Guardian

"Should we finish the job on Saturday we'll all be looking at how far we are off the play-offs".

The Guardian - Sport

How far we are from the best in Scandinavia, where economic success, social cohesion and fairer distribution bolster one another.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how far we are", ensure the context clearly defines the endpoint or goal. This provides a clear reference point for understanding the degree of progress.

Common error

Avoid using "how far we are" without clearly defining what 'far' is measured from. Ambiguity can arise if the starting point or the target is unclear, leading to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how far we are" functions as a clause, often acting as a nominal clause serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It commonly indicates the extent of progress, distance, or achievement relative to a specific goal or reference point, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how far we are" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to assess progress, distance, or achievement in relation to a specific goal. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business contexts, this phrase effectively communicates the extent of advancement or separation from a defined objective. When using "how far we are", clarity is key: ensure the context clearly defines the endpoint or goal to avoid ambiguity. As seen in the examples, it is adaptable for various situations, providing a valuable tool for effective communication and assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how near we are

Highlights the proximity in general, could be in space or time.

how close we are to the goal

Specifically addresses proximity to a defined objective.

how much we have accomplished

Emphasizes the quantity of work completed or milestones reached.

how advanced we are

Focuses on the level of development or progress achieved.

our degree of success

Measures the level of accomplishment or positive outcome.

what our progress is

Emphasizes the state of advancement or forward movement.

the measure of our achievement

Focuses on the tangible results of effort and progress.

the extent of our reach

Highlights the scope or range of influence or capability.

the state of our development

Focuses on the level of growth, maturity, or sophistication.

our current standing

Highlights current position or status in a competitive or comparative context.

FAQs

How can I use "how far we are" in a sentence?

You can use "how far we are" to discuss progress toward a goal, as in, "The project is underway, but it's unclear "how far we are" from completion."

What's a good alternative to "how far we are"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "where we are", "how close we are", or "what our progress is".

Is it better to say "how far we are" or "where we are"?

"How far we are" typically refers to progress toward a specific goal, whereas "where we are" is a more general statement of current position or status. Use "how far we are" when discussing advancement and milestones.

Can "how far we are" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "how far we are" is appropriate for formal writing. It is often used in reports, academic papers, and business communications to assess progress or status. It's a versatile phrase applicable across various registers.