miles away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "miles away" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to illustrate a great distance between two people or places. For example: "The two of them were miles away, both in terms of geography and emotional intimacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He camped miles away".

The New Yorker

Ten miles away.

Independent

"But they are miles away".

The New York Times

Town was seven miles away.

The New Yorker

Minneapolis is 200 miles away.

The New York Times

U.S.C. was fifteen miles away".

The New Yorker

He reads from miles away".

The New York Times - Arts

(45 miles away).

The Guardian - Travel

That's 40 miles away.

The Guardian

That's eight miles away".

The Guardian - Music

AE It's miles away.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "miles away" to emphasize a significant physical distance or a large difference in opinion, state, or condition. For example, "The solution to this problem is miles away from our current approach."

Common error

Avoid using "miles away" literally when a more precise distance is needed. If the exact distance is known, state it directly instead of using the general phrase. For instance, instead of "The town was miles away", use "The town was approximately 30 miles away."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "miles away" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate distance. Ludwig shows it is often used to describe the location of something or someone in relation to another, or to express a metaphorical distance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "miles away" is a common and versatile expression used to describe both physical and metaphorical distance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. While appropriate for general and news contexts, using more precise language might be preferable in formal or technical writing. Consider alternatives such as "a considerable distance" or specific measurements for clarity. Understanding its communicative purpose and register ensures effective use in various writing scenarios. The phrase appears most frequently in the News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable distance

This alternative emphasizes the extent of the separation.

a long way off

This alternative stresses the length of the distance involved.

far off

This option is a more concise way to indicate remoteness.

at a distance

It highlights the presence of separation without specifying the degree.

remote from

This choice suggests a more formal or literary tone.

far removed

This alternative focuses on the separation from something, either physically or conceptually.

in the distance

This refers to something that can be seen but is not close.

out of reach

It conveys the idea that something is unattainable or inaccessible.

worlds apart

This phrase emphasizes a significant difference or disparity.

light years away

This is a more exaggerated way of saying something is very distant or different.

FAQs

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

You can use "miles away" to describe physical distance, such as "The nearest gas station is "miles away"". It can also describe a metaphorical distance, for example, "Their opinions on the matter were "miles away"".

What are some alternatives to using "miles away"?

Some alternatives include "a long way off", "distant", or "far away" for physical distances. For metaphorical distances, consider "worlds apart", "very different", or "incompatible".

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

While "miles away" is widely understood, it might be better to use more precise language in formal contexts, especially when referring to specific distances. For example, using "a considerable distance" or stating the exact distance might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "far away" and "miles away"?

Both phrases indicate a significant distance, but "miles away" often implies a more substantial separation or a greater degree of difference. "Far away" is a more general term for distance.