nowhere close

USAGE SUMMARY

"nowhere close" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use "nowhere close" to indicate that two things are vastly different from one another and/or are far apart from each other in terms of distance, time, or some other measure. For example: "I'm nowhere close to winning the Grand Prix this year; I'm still a beginner!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is nowhere close to what it would cost to launch a magazine".

TechCrunch

Nowhere close".

The New York Times

Nowhere close to enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

But they're nowhere close to this.

The New York Times - Sports

We are nowhere close to that.

The New York Times

We are nowhere close to doing that.

Yale University

In fact, they're nowhere close to enough.

The Washington Post

We're nowhere close in management style".

The New York Times

We're nowhere close to that situation".

The New York Times

"I'm nowhere close to him right now.

The New York Times - Sports

We are nowhere close to it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nowhere close" to clearly and emphatically state that something falls significantly short of a particular goal, standard, or expectation. This phrase is effective in highlighting a notable discrepancy.

Common error

Avoid using "nowhere close" when a more subtle difference exists. This phrase conveys a significant gap, and using it for minor discrepancies can dilute its impact and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nowhere close" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective to express a high degree of disparity or difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid construction. Examples show it describing the state of completion, the quality of performance, or the achievement of a goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Nowhere close" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a significant difference between an actual state and a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI attests, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the gap you're describing is indeed substantial, as overusing it for minor discrepancies can weaken its impact. Alternatives like "not even remotely" or "miles away" can offer similar emphasis, depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not even close

A simpler, more direct way of saying "nowhere close".

not even remotely

Emphasizes the vast distance or difference between two things.

not in the same ballpark

Uses a sports metaphor to indicate that something isn't comparable.

miles away

Highlights the large distance separating the current state from a desired outcome.

way off

Suggests a large degree of error or miscalculation.

worlds apart

Stresses the significant difference or incompatibility between two things.

a far cry from

Indicates a substantial difference or gap between what is and what is desired.

off the mark

Implies that something is inaccurate or not aligned with the target.

not within reach

Highlights the unattainability of a goal or objective.

out of the question

Implies that something is impossible or completely unacceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "nowhere close" in a sentence?

You can use "nowhere close" to emphasize that something is not even remotely near a specific target, goal, or expectation. For example, "The project is "nowhere close" to being finished."

What are some alternatives to saying "nowhere close"?

Alternatives include "not even remotely", "miles away", or "a far cry from", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "nowhere close"?

Yes, "nowhere close" is a grammatically acceptable phrase used to indicate that something is not near a particular point or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "not close" and "nowhere close"?

"Not close" indicates a small difference, while "nowhere close" emphasizes a significant or substantial difference. "Nowhere close" implies a much larger gap than "not close".