less far off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less far off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is closer in distance or time compared to another reference point. Example: "The deadline for the project is less far off than we initially thought, so we need to start working on it immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The number of U.S. exports also grew by $500 million, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, signalling that growth may be in less far off than many feared.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The idea of how to use less scarce materials is not far off from the discussion the DeSalvo family is having since Charlie got his school to convert to metal utensils.

BBC

Dortmund may well be flying high with a team full of cheap, young prodigies, but the simple reality is that not every Bundesliga club can hope for the same amount of quality to come through its academy to offset the investments made by opponents in far off, and often less strict, lands.

The New York Times

Sure enough, FoodParc seems as if it's from the future, though it's less a far-off dystopia than a spotless mall opening in Seoul next year.

The New York Times - Food

Both are far off.

The Economist

Not far off".

The New Yorker

"Is this that far off?

The New York Times

Although consensus remains far off.

The Economist

(They are not far off).

The New York Times - Books

We are not far off".

BBC

Can football be far off?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less far off" to subtly suggest an event or goal is closer than perceived, adding a layer of encouragement or urgency without being overly direct.

Common error

Avoid using "less far off" when the situation clearly indicates a significant distance or timeline remains. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your statements seem unrealistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less far off" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often implied) to indicate a reduced distance, either physical or temporal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less far off" is a grammatically correct and usable adjective phrase that suggests something is closer or more imminent than initially perceived. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Related phrases like "closer than expected" or "not so distant" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, avoid over-optimism and ensure it aligns with the actual context to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closer than expected

Emphasizes the proximity in terms of time or distance being nearer than anticipated.

not so distant

Directly indicates reduced distance, whether physical or metaphorical.

approaching rapidly

Focuses on the speed of approach, implying a quick arrival.

on the horizon

Suggests something is becoming visible or imminent, often used for future events.

within reach

Indicates something is attainable or achievable in the near future.

imminent

Highlights the sense of something about to happen very soon.

drawing near

Emphasizes the gradual approach of something, such as a deadline or event.

coming soon

A simple and direct way of saying something will happen in the near future.

not a long way off

Expresses that an event or goal is achievable in the not-too-distant future.

in the pipeline

Indicates that something is in development or being prepared and will be available soon.

FAQs

How can I use "less far off" in a sentence?

You can use "less far off" to indicate that something is closer in distance or time than initially expected. For example: "The completion of the project is "less far off" than we had anticipated".

What phrases are similar to "less far off"?

Alternatives to "less far off" include "closer than expected", "not so distant", or "approaching rapidly", depending on the specific context.

Is "less far off" formal or informal?

"Less far off" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "imminent" may be preferred in certain professional settings.

What is the difference between "less far off" and "far off"?

"Less far off" implies something is closer in time or distance, while "far off" suggests it is distant and not likely to happen soon. Using "less" modifies the degree of distance or time.