not far apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not far apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more things that are close to each other in distance or time. Example: "The two houses are not far apart, making it easy for the families to visit each other frequently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"They're not far apart.

The New York Times

The selections were not far apart.

The New York Times - Arts

Fascination and repulsion are not far apart.

The Guardian

We're not far apart, yet we're not close".

The New York Times - Sports

Even on the estate tax, the two sides are not far apart, although their language is.

The New York Times

Mr. Trefry of California Trout suggested the two sides were not far apart.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

They weren't far apart.

The New Yorker

But they aren't far apart.

The New York Times - Arts

"Although Hindu scales, melodies and harmonies are different, we understood each other … The folk origins of music aren't far apart anywhere in the world".

The New York Times

They took divergent positions on some hot-button issues — teacher job protections and evaluations, for example — but the two weren't far apart on other fundamentally important ones.

Los Angeles Times

These positions, while not easy to resolve, are not terribly far apart.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not far apart" when comparing numerical values or estimates to indicate that the difference is small and potentially insignificant. For example, "The two estimates were "not far apart", indicating a reasonable level of consistency."

Common error

Avoid using "not far apart" repeatedly in close proximity within the same piece of writing. Diversify your language by using synonyms like "close together", "nearby each other", or "in close proximity" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not far apart" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns or pronouns to describe the degree of separation between two or more entities, whether physically or conceptually. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not far apart" is a versatile and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to describe a moderate degree of proximity or similarity between entities. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reports and scientific articles to everyday conversation. While highly frequent, varying your phrasing with synonyms like "close together" or "nearby each other" can enhance the clarity and engagement of your writing. The phrase is particularly useful in highlighting connections or potential interactions while acknowledging a degree of separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close together

Emphasizes physical or conceptual nearness.

nearby each other

Highlights the short distance separating items or entities.

in close proximity

Formal way to express being near each other.

within a short distance

Focuses on the small amount of space separating items.

a stone's throw away

Idiomatic expression suggesting very close distance.

just around the corner

Suggests a short and convenient distance.

within earshot

Highlights that items are close enough to hear each other.

easily accessible

Implies convenience and nearness.

a hop, skip, and a jump away

Informal and playful way to describe short distance.

in the neighborhood

Indicates general proximity without precise distance.

FAQs

How can I use "not far apart" in a sentence?

"Not far apart" can be used to describe physical distances, like "The two cities are "not far apart", making travel easy". It can also describe conceptual similarities: "Their views on education are "not far apart".

What are some alternatives to "not far apart"?

You can use alternatives such as "close together", "nearby each other", or "in close proximity" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "not too far apart"?

Yes, "not too far apart" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, implying that the distance or difference is relatively small but noticeable.

What's the difference between "not far apart" and "close"?

"Close" generally indicates a shorter distance or a stronger connection than "not far apart". "Not far apart" implies a moderate separation, whereas "close" suggests minimal separation or intimacy.