nowhere near

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nowhere near" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or thing that is far from another situation or thing. For example, "The dress was nowhere near as expensive as I had expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm nowhere near it".

The New York Times - Sports

We're nowhere near done".

The New York Times

"Nowhere near," McLeod said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is nowhere near enough.

The New York Times

"It's nowhere near," she said.

Independent

"It's nowhere near as generous.

The New York Times

We're nowhere near there.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm nowhere near done".

The Guardian

nowhere near china's total!

The Guardian - Sport

Or nowhere near?

The Guardian - Film

"We're nowhere near that stage, absolutely nowhere near.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nowhere near" to emphasize a significant difference or distance. For example, "The actual cost was nowhere near the initial estimate."

Common error

Avoid using "nowhere near" when the difference is minor or negligible. Reserve it for situations where the disparity is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nowhere near" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to express a significant lack of proximity, similarity, or attainment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing how it effectively emphasizes a considerable distance or difference between two things, whether physical or abstract.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nowhere near" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that emphasizes a significant lack of proximity, attainment, or similarity. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and used in a variety of contexts, predominantly in news and media. It's best used to highlight considerable differences rather than minor discrepancies. Consider alternatives such as "far from" or "not even close" for similar emphasis. Be mindful that "nowhere near" conveys a stronger sense of disparity compared to simply saying "not close".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nowhere close to

A slight variation of the original phrase, reordering the elements slightly.

not remotely close

Emphasizes the lack of closeness, suggesting a great disparity.

far from

A common and direct way to express that something is not close to another thing.

not even close

Similar to "not remotely close", but slightly more emphatic.

a far cry from

Indicates a significant difference or disparity between two things.

a long way off

Indicates something is distant either in time or space from the subject.

worlds apart

Suggests an extremely large difference or separation.

significantly distant

Emphasizes the spatial separation of a particular subject relative to a point of reference.

distinctly different

Highlights the clear difference in characteristics between two subjects.

not in the same ballpark

An idiomatic expression emphasizing a large difference in magnitude or quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "nowhere near" to indicate that something is not close to a particular value, level, or place. For example, "The project is "nowhere near" completion", or "The damage was "nowhere near" as bad as expected".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "nowhere near"?

Alternatives to "nowhere near" include phrases like "far from", "not even close", or "a far cry from". The best choice will depend on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "anywhere near" instead of "nowhere near"?

While "anywhere near" is grammatically correct, it has a different meaning than "nowhere near". "Anywhere near" asks if something is within a certain range or proximity, while "nowhere near" asserts that it is definitely not within that range.

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

"Nowhere near" emphasizes a greater degree of difference or distance than simply saying "not close". It implies that something is significantly off or far away from what is expected or desired.