not as distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as distant" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to compare the distance or emotional closeness between two things or people. Example: "Her feelings for him were not as distant as she had thought." Alternative expressions include "less distant" and "not so far away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But the courts are not as distant from the political process as some like to think.

The New Yorker

After all, he said, the past is not as distant as it may seem.

The New York Times

The commission insists that pandemic risks must be treated not as distant, unavoidable possibilities but as real national security threats.

The Washington Post

The terror attacks have been an awakening for many students who find the outside world is not as distant as they had thought.

The New York Times

"Since this has happened, they're not as distant as one may think," said the friend, who was granted anonymity because Clemens had not authorized him to speak publicly.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not as distant a relocation as the Oakland Raiders' move to Los Angeles, and their subsequent return to Oakland.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This approach gently and divertingly reminds us that while Jaffe's popular novel may not have been a major work of art (and she never claimed it was), it focused a clear and abidingly useful gaze on women caught in a moment in time that isn't as distant as you might suppose.

The New York Times

But Altman is facing plenty of blowback from others in the industry, who argue that Thiel's ideology isn't as distant from Trump's as Altman claims.

TechCrunch

"As far as we know, that would be unprecedented for supporting a major party nominee, and a dangerous path to start down (of course, if Peter said some of the things Trump says himself, he would no longer be part of Y Combinator)." But Altman is facing plenty of blowback from others in the industry, who argue that Thiel's ideology isn't as distant from Trump's as Altman claims.

TechCrunch

Suburbanites tend to use more roads and consume more carbon than urbanites (though perhaps not as much as distant commuters forced out by green belts).

The Economist

PRESIDENT OBAMA has called for a world without nuclear weapons, not as a distant goal, but as something imminently achievable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not as distant" to subtly correct a misconception about the remoteness of something, making it more relatable to your audience. For example, "The challenges faced by developing nations are not as distant as many people believe."

Common error

While acceptable, excessive use of "not as distant" can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "closer than it seems" or "more accessible than expected" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as distant" functions as a qualifier, often used to modify a noun or idea by indicating a relative degree of proximity or relevance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it suggests that something is closer or more related than initially perceived. This phrase invites a reevaluation of perceived distance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not as distant" serves as a valuable tool for adjusting perspectives and highlighting unexpected connections. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields. Whether emphasizing historical relevance, dispelling geographical misconceptions, or illustrating the interconnectedness of global issues, "not as distant" prompts a reconsideration of perceived distance. While synonyms exist, this phrase's specific nuance makes it a particularly effective choice when aiming to bridge the gap between assumption and reality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearer than one might think

Implies a closer proximity than initially assumed.

closer than it appears

Emphasizes a surprising degree of nearness.

not so far off

Indicates a shorter distance or time frame.

not so remote

Highlights the absence of extreme distance.

not as far removed

Highlights a lack of separation or detachment.

more accessible than expected

Focuses on the ease of reaching or understanding something.

more relevant than it seems

Focuses on the unexpected importance or pertinence.

not entirely separate

Emphasizes the lack of complete division.

within reach

Suggests attainability or accessibility.

more intimately connected

Highlights a closer relationship or interdependence.

FAQs

What does "not as distant" mean?

The phrase "not as distant" means something is closer, either physically or metaphorically, than one might initially believe. It implies a correction of perception about proximity or relevance.

How can I use "not as distant" in a sentence?

You can use "not as distant" to indicate that something is more related or connected than previously thought. For example: "The past is "nearer than one might think", and its lessons are still relevant today."

Which is correct, "not as distant" or "not so distant"?

Both "not as distant" and "not so distant" are grammatically correct and convey essentially the same meaning. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

What are some alternatives to saying "not as distant"?

Some alternatives to "not as distant" include "closer than it appears", "not so remote", and "more accessible than expected". The best choice depends on the specific context.