is a distant one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a distant one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is far away in terms of physical distance, emotional connection, or time. Example: "The relationship between the two countries is a distant one, shaped by years of historical conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The closeness of a possibility as it figures in (ii) is to be understood, at first pass, in terms of what we can reasonably rely on: a possibility is a distant one just in case we can reasonably rely on it not obtaining; otherwise it is a close one (Peacocke 1999, 310).

SEP

The vision of any kind of new caliphate, shared by Muslims worldwide, is a distant one.

The Guardian

Homeownership remains a dream for the majority of young people, but it is a distant one for most of them".

The Guardian - Money

To modify one of Peacocke's examples, the possibility of toxic fumes being released into a train car that is safely insulated is a distant one; on the other hand, the possibility of toxic fumes being released into a train car where they just happen to be blocked by a fortuitous arrangement of luggage is a close one.

SEP

But that juxtaposition is a distant one.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The chance of getting electoral reform may be a distant one, but it is the best on offer.

The Guardian

Up to this point, the prospect of Trump entering the White House had been a distant one.

The New Yorker

By John Cassidy September 16, 2016 Up to this point, the prospect of Trump entering the White House had been a distant one.

The New Yorker

Roll all these forces together, and the notion of voting is a distant, hazy one in the 79th.

The New York Times

The euphoria of last year's march is a distant memory (one of its offshoots, the Million Mom organization, laid off 30 of its 35 employees on Friday) and the gun control movement, despite far-ranging efforts to match the National Rifle Association in raw political power, seems to have fallen farther behind.

The New York Times

McLaren Mercedes is a distant third on 71 points, one ahead of Ferrari.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a distant one", consider the context to ensure it clearly conveys the intended meaning, whether physical distance, emotional detachment, or temporal remoteness. Choose a more specific term if greater clarity is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "is a distant one" when a more precise term would better suit the context. For instance, instead of saying "their relationship is a distant one" consider specifying whether it's geographically distant, emotionally distant, or historically distant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a distant one" functions as a descriptive qualifier, indicating that something is remote in terms of space, time, relationship, or possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a distant one" is a versatile qualifier used to describe something as remote in space, time, or relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across diverse contexts. While generally neutral in register, its use might be refined for greater precision in highly formal settings. It's frequently encountered in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. When employing "is a distant one", ensure it effectively communicates the intended remoteness, whether physical, emotional, or temporal, and consider if a more specific term would enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is remote

This alternative directly conveys the idea of being far off or not closely connected.

is disconnected

Focuses on the absence of a link or relationship.

is far off

Emphasizes the temporal or spatial distance.

is detached

Implies a lack of emotional or physical closeness.

is not immediate

Highlights the lack of urgency or direct connection.

is out of reach

Highlights the unattainability or inaccessibility.

is unlikely

Shifts the meaning to improbability rather than distance, but implies a remote possibility.

is a long shot

Focuses on the low probability of success.

is a faint hope

Emphasizes the weakness and remoteness of the expectation.

is a thing of the past

Indicates something that belongs to a remote time.

FAQs

What does "is a distant one" mean?

The phrase "is a distant one" describes something that is far away, either in physical distance, time, or emotional connection. It suggests a lack of immediacy or close relationship.

What can I say instead of "is a distant one"?

You can use alternatives like "is remote", "is far off", or "is unlikely" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is a distant one" in writing?

Use "is a distant one" when you want to emphasize that something is not immediately relevant, connected, or close. For example, "The possibility of a manned mission to Mars is a distant one."

Is "is a distant one" formal or informal?

The phrase "is a distant one" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language might be preferred in highly formal writing.