millions of miles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "millions of miles" is correct and usable in written English as it is a common phrase.
You can use it to describe a very large or vast distance. For example, "The sun is millions of miles away from Earth".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The way you made a planet millions of miles away seem as close as next door.

The Washington Post

We traveled millions of miles from Earth to visit a pile of rubble in space.

MIT Technology Review

In the meantime, the rapidly expanding (millions of miles per hour) matter from the explosion eventually crashes into surrounding gas.

Harvard University

The comet's tail length was tens of millions of miles long when the comet was nearest the sun.

Harvard University

Over more than a decade, self-driving vehicles have logged millions of miles on roadways across the globe.

The Washington Post

For example, astronomers have found many examples of supermassive black holes erupting in powerful outbursts that can stretch for millions of miles.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Bombs travel hundreds of miles.

The New Yorker

After thousands of miles, still it ran.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The first was hundreds of miles away.

The New York Times

Again the salmon swim thousands of miles.

The New Yorker

I ride thousands of miles every year.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing astronomical distances or large geographical separations, use "millions of miles" to provide a sense of scale that is easily understandable.

Common error

Ensure you are using the correct unit of measurement for your audience. While "millions of miles" is common in the United States, many other countries use kilometers. Convert to kilometers for international audiences to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "millions of miles" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically to describe distances. According to Ludwig AI, it's a common phrase. It quantifies the extent of separation, as seen in examples such as "a planet millions of miles away" or "self-driving vehicles have logged millions of miles".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

33%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "millions of miles" is a common and correct way to describe very large distances. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently used in both news and academic contexts. While grammatically straightforward, it's important to consider your audience and whether miles or kilometers are more appropriate. When aiming for precision, provide the exact numerical value; otherwise, "millions of miles" effectively conveys a vast separation. Remember to use related phrases like "vast distances" or "extremely far" when you want to express the idea without quantifying the distance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Vast distances

Focuses on the magnitude of separation without a specific numerical value.

Extremely far

Emphasizes the extent of the distance involved.

A great distance

Uses a general term to indicate a substantial separation.

Considerable distance

Highlights the significant separation between two points.

Very remote

Emphasizes the inaccessibility due to distance.

Worlds away

Conveys a sense of extreme remoteness, almost like different planets.

Light years away

Uses a unit of astronomical distance to emphasize remoteness.

A long way off

Indicates a significant separation, often in a general sense.

Across the universe

Highlights a large distance.

Far-off

Simple way of saying something is distant.

FAQs

How can I use "millions of miles" in a sentence?

Use "millions of miles" to describe vast distances, such as "The planet is "millions of miles" away" or "Self-driving cars have logged "millions of miles" in testing".

What's a less precise way to say "millions of miles"?

You could use phrases like "vast distances" or "extremely far" if you don't need to be specific.

Is it better to say "millions of miles" or "millions of kilometers"?

It depends on your audience. "Millions of miles" is common in the United States, while "millions of kilometers" is preferred in many other countries. Choose the unit that your audience is most familiar with.

What contexts is the phrase "millions of miles" most appropriate for?

The phrase "millions of miles" is suitable in news reporting, academic writing, and general discussions about astronomy, travel, or technology. It effectively conveys a sense of significant distance.