not very far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a short distance or proximity in various contexts, such as directions or descriptions of location. Example: "The store is not very far from my house, just a five-minute walk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And not very far off.

The New York Times - Sports

Not very far, as it turns out.

The New Yorker

Not very far, it seems.

The New Yorker

Oh not very far away.

The Guardian

Answer: not very far at all.

The Guardian

That future is not very far.

The Guardian - Opinion

Venezuela is not very far away.

The New Yorker

"Their units are not very far.

The Guardian

Not very far from here at all".

The New Yorker

Basically, we are not very far from the Stone Age".

The New Yorker

Since then it has retreated, though not very far.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not very far" to soften a statement about distance or progress, making it less absolute. For example, instead of saying "the project is incomplete", you can say "the project is not very far from completion".

Common error

Avoid using "not very far" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive alternatives like "nearby", "close proximity", or "a short distance" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very far" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate distance or proximity. Ludwig AI confirms the examples as grammatically sound and commonly used. The phrase typically describes a location or state that is close or easily accessible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not very far" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase to indicate proximity or a small degree of progress. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts. While suitable for general communication, it's essential to consider the audience and purpose, opting for more precise alternatives in formal or technical writing. Remember to use it judiciously, and choose alternatives like "nearby" or "a short distance away" when greater precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite close

Emphasizes nearness with a slightly simpler expression.

fairly near

Indicates proximity using common adverbs of degree.

not a great distance

Uses a more descriptive, slightly formal tone.

within easy reach

Highlights accessibility and convenience.

a short distance away

Specifically mentions a small separation in space.

just around the corner

Implies a very close and often unexpected proximity.

only a hop, skip, and a jump away

Uses an idiomatic expression to emphasize extreme closeness.

within spitting distance

Emphasizes extreme proximity, though potentially informal.

in close proximity

A more formal and technical way of expressing nearness.

just a stone's throw away

An idiomatic expression indicating a short distance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not very far" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "in close proximity", "a short distance away", or "within easy reach". These options offer greater precision and sophistication.

What does "not very far" imply about distance?

The phrase "not very far" indicates that something is relatively close or near. It suggests a short distance that is easily traversable, although the exact measure of distance is subjective and context-dependent.

Is it appropriate to use "not very far" in technical writing?

While "not very far" is grammatically correct, it may be too vague for technical writing. In technical contexts, it's best to use more precise measurements or specific directional terms to avoid ambiguity. You might consider using alternatives like "adjacent to" or "nearby".

What are some idiomatic alternatives to "not very far"?

Idiomatic alternatives include "just around the corner", "a stone's throw away", and "within spitting distance". However, use these with caution, as they can be informal and may not suit all contexts.