not far from

USAGE SUMMARY

"not far from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a short distance between two places. For example: "The grocery store is not far from my house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Italy provokes something not far from contempt.

The Economist

It is not far from Carroll Academy.

The New York Times - Sports

You're not far from any neighborhood.

The New York Times

Not far from Ashkelon.

The New York Times - Books

They are not far from achieving this.

Independent

Chatham is not far from Pitt.

The New York Times - Sports

Not far from the road.

The Guardian

New Jersey is not far from New York.

The New York Times

He ended up not far from last place.

The New York Times

This was not far from the truth.

University of California, Berkeley

Not far from this to heavy metal.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing locations, use "not far from" to indicate that one place is easily accessible from another. For clarity, specify a landmark or well-known location as the reference point.

Common error

Ensure your audience understands the reference point when using "not far from". If the reference point is unclear or unknown, the phrase loses its meaning. Provide context or a recognizable landmark to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not far from" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating spatial proximity. It modifies a noun or noun phrase, specifying that something is located close to a particular place or thing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not far from" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is located nearby a specific reference point. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It serves to provide spatial context and relative location, making it easier for individuals to understand the proximity between two points. The phrase is versatile, appearing in both formal contexts like news articles and academic papers, as well as more informal settings. To use it effectively, ensure the reference point is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "close to" or "near to" can be used, but "not far from" offers a more direct connection to a specific location.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close to

This alternative uses a simpler and more direct expression to indicate nearness.

near to

This is a very similar alternative, almost interchangeable, differing only in word choice.

a short distance from

This alternative directly states that the distance is small, providing a more descriptive element.

in close proximity to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the nearness in a more technical or official context.

a stone's throw from

This is an idiomatic expression implying very close distance.

within easy reach of

This alternative suggests that something is easily accessible because of its proximity.

just around the corner from

This phrase implies very close proximity, often suggesting a turn or change in direction is all that separates the two locations.

within walking distance of

This indicates that something is close enough to be reached by walking.

neighboring

This alternative describes the relationship between two adjacent places.

adjacent to

This formal alternative describes two things that are next to each other.

FAQs

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

Use "not far from" to indicate that a location is nearby or easily accessible. For example, "The museum is "not far from" the main train station".

What are some alternatives to "not far from"?

You can use alternatives like "close to", "near to", or "within walking distance" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not far from" or "nearby"?

Both "not far from" and "nearby" are acceptable, but "not far from" often provides a clearer reference point, indicating proximity to something specific. "Nearby" is more general.

Can I use "not far from" to describe abstract concepts, or only physical locations?

While primarily used for physical locations, "not far from" can also describe abstract concepts, implying a close relationship or similarity. For instance, "His opinion is "not far from" the truth".