not in sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not in sight" is correct in written English.
This phrase is usually used to describe something that is not visible or cannot be seen, and can be used in a variety of contexts. Example: "The mountain summit was not in sight, as fog had filled the valley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that day is not in sight.

The Economist

The casualty was not in sight.

The New York Times

Such a leader is not in sight.

The Economist

And its end is not in sight.

The New York Times - Books

But comic relief is not in sight.

The New York Times - Books

The end is not in sight.

The New York Times

The supermarket is not in sight.

The New Yorker

The end of history is not in sight.

The Economist

Preferably, they're turned off and not in sight.

The Washington Post

Retirement is not in sight for Hunter or McBain.

The New York Times - Books

Recovery is not in sight; more volatility in our markets and abroad seems likely.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not in sight" to convey that something is either physically absent from view or unlikely to occur in the near future. For example, "The end of the project is not in sight" indicates the project is expected to continue for some time.

Common error

Avoid using "not in sight" when a more direct expression of impossibility or unlikelihood is more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "A solution to that problem is not in sight" when a solution is simply impossible, consider "A solution to that problem is impossible".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in sight" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate its absence or lack of visibility. It often implies a lack of immediate expectation or resolution, similar to the examples Ludwig provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not in sight" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is either physically absent or unlikely to occur in the near future. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist demonstrating its frequent use in News & Media. While "not in sight" is grammatically sound and widely accepted, careful attention to context is crucial to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Related phrases like "out of view" or "not on the horizon" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific situation. Mastering the use of "not in sight" will undoubtedly enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not within view

A more formal way of saying something is not visible.

out of view

Focuses on the physical aspect of being hidden from sight.

not visible

Emphasizes the inability to be seen.

impossible to see

Focuses on the impossibility of visually perceiving something.

nowhere to be seen

Highlights the absence or unavailability of something or someone.

beyond reach

Shifts the meaning to something unattainable or unachievable.

not on the horizon

Suggests something is unlikely to happen in the near future.

not apparent

Indicates something is not obvious or easily understood.

not detectable

Suggests something cannot be found or noticed.

unforeseeable

Highlights the unpredictable or uncertain nature of an event.

FAQs

What does the phrase "not in sight" mean?

The phrase "not in sight" means that something is either not visible or not expected to happen soon. It can refer to a physical absence or a lack of progress towards a goal.

How can I use "not in sight" in a sentence?

You can use "not in sight" to describe something that is not visible, like "The shore was "nowhere in sight" due to the fog". You can also use it to indicate that an outcome is not expected soon, such as "A resolution to the conflict is "not on the horizon"".

What are some alternatives to saying "not in sight"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "out of view", "not visible", "beyond reach", or "not on the horizon".

Is it better to say "not in sight" or "nowhere in sight"?

Both "not in sight" and "nowhere in sight" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Not in sight" generally means something is not currently visible or immediately expected. "Nowhere in sight" emphasizes a more complete absence or lack of any expectation of something appearing.