miles apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'miles apart' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that are very different from one another. For example: "The two candidates’ views on immigration were miles apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

About 10 miles apart.

The New York Times

We were miles apart.

The New Yorker

It's 2,000 miles apart.

The New York Times - Sports

But musically they're miles apart.

The New York Times - Arts

We're still miles apart.

The New York Times

These towns lie 13 miles apart.

The Guardian - Sport

Our schools were 17 miles apart.

The New York Times

The two towers were 1.3 miles apart.

The New Yorker

Tampa and Orlando are 85 miles apart.

The Economist

"They're just 6,000 miles apart".

The New York Times

They are many miles apart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "miles apart" metaphorically to emphasize a significant difference in opinions, ideas, or styles (e.g., "Their political views are miles apart").

Common error

Avoid using "miles apart" when the actual distance is negligible or when referring to metaphorical differences that are only slight. This can create a sense of exaggeration or misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "miles apart" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the extent of separation between two or more entities. It indicates either physical distance or, metaphorically, a significant difference in opinions, characteristics, or qualities, as Ludwig's examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "miles apart" is a versatile expression used to convey a significant degree of separation, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, its impact lies in emphasizing a considerable distance or difference. Remember to use it appropriately, ensuring the context warrants such emphasis, and consider alternative phrases for nuanced expression. With 62 examples provided, the phrase is "very common".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely separated

Emphasizes the extent of the distance between two or more entities.

far removed

Focuses on the degree of remoteness or separation, either physically or conceptually.

nowhere near each other

Highlights the lack of proximity or connection between the entities.

worlds away

Implies a more metaphorical distance, suggesting vast differences in experience or perspective.

vastly dissimilar

Emphasizes the degree of unlikeness between two or more things.

separated by a wide gulf

Emphasizes the significant divide or difference that exists.

a considerable distance

Highlights the substantial nature of the gap or space involved.

separated by a large margin

Indicates a significant gap in terms of quantity, degree, or distance.

distinctly different

Shifts the focus to the clear and obvious dissimilarity rather than physical distance.

at opposite ends of the spectrum

Describes extremes or opposing viewpoints on a particular scale.

FAQs

How can I use "miles apart" in a sentence?

You can use "miles apart" to describe physical distance (e.g., "The two cities are hundreds of miles apart") or metaphorical distance (e.g., "Their opinions on the matter are "worlds away"").

What does it mean when someone says two things are "miles apart"?

It means that they are very different or distant from each other, either physically or conceptually. The expression emphasizes a significant separation.

Are there alternatives to using "miles apart"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "far removed", "distinctly different", or "at opposite ends of the spectrum".

Is it appropriate to use "miles apart" in formal writing?

Yes, "miles apart" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it fits the overall tone and style. In some cases, a more precise or technical term might be preferable.