more distant than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more distant than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the distance between two objects, places, or concepts, indicating that one is farther away than the other. Example: "The stars in the night sky appear more distant than the moon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And bosses are more distant than ever.

The Economist

Fuller's brand of idealism seems more distant than ever.

The New York Times - Arts

Home ownership in her beloved but fast-changing London seems more distant than ever.

The Guardian

They will be more distant than Pluto, thus fainter and harder to detect.

The New York Times - Science

The days of the denim Stetson seem more distant than ever.

The Guardian - Music

Other goals look more distant than ever, particularly with regard to crime and drugs.

The Guardian

In this time of change, opportunity in some communities is more distant than in others.

The New York Times

For that matter, the production as a whole seems more distant than it might be.

The New York Times

Such dips are one way of detecting planets going round stars more distant than the sun.

The Economist

All the oligarchs were kept equally distant, but some were more distant than others.

Independent

Mr. Romney's relations with the news media are more distant than they are hostile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more distant than" to describe abstract concepts, ensure the comparison is clear and logical. For instance, "The possibility of peace seems "more distant than" ever" effectively conveys a diminishing hope.

Common error

Avoid using "more distant than" when a simpler, more direct term like "farther than" or "further than" would suffice in physical contexts. For example, say "The planet is farther than Pluto", instead of "more distant than Pluto".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more distant than" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one entity or concept is located further away, either physically or metaphorically, compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more distant than" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, primarily used to express that something is further away either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, with varied applications across different domains. The analysis shows its prevalent usage in "News & Media" and "Science", indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's important to be mindful of the context and choose "farther than" for physical distances, reserving "more distant than" for abstract comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further away than

Emphasizes physical distance to a greater extent.

more remote than

Implies isolation or inaccessibility, either physically or figuratively.

less proximate than

A more formal way of saying "not as close as".

more separated than

Highlights the act of being divided or kept apart.

more detached than

Suggests a lack of emotional connection or involvement.

more aloof than

Implies a sense of coolness or disinterest in relationships.

at a greater distance than

A more formal and descriptive alternative, specifying the difference in spatial separation.

beyond the reach of

Implies that something is unattainable or inaccessible.

out of range of

Suggests something is beyond the scope or capability of something else.

more isolated from

Emphasizes the state of being alone or cut off from others.

FAQs

How can I use "more distant than" in a sentence?

You can use "more distant than" to compare physical distances, emotional states, or the likelihood of events. For example, "The star is "more distant than" any other in the galaxy", or "Their relationship became "more distant than" before".

What are some alternatives to using "more distant than"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "further away than", "more remote than", or "less proximate than".

Which is correct, "more distant than" or "farther than"?

"More distant than" and "farther than" can both be correct, but "farther than" is typically used for physical distances. "More distant than" can be used both physically and metaphorically.

Is it appropriate to use "more distant than" in formal writing?

Yes, "more distant than" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when comparing abstract concepts or intangible things. For example, "The achievement of the goal now seems "more distant than" initially anticipated".