pretty far along

USAGE SUMMARY

"pretty far along" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote progress that has been made towards a goal or task. For example: "We're pretty far along in our work on the project, so we should have it done in no time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"We're 80 percent energy-independent to begin with, so we're pretty far along," said Daniel Yergin, the oil historian.

The New York Times

But then, if you're so sleep-deprived that "you go spend $150 on a massage, you're pretty far along," says Dr. Bradly Jacobs, a director of the wellness program at the Cavallo Point Lodge spa (cavallopoint.com) outside San Francisco, which treats sleep problems with hypnotherapy and acupuncture.

The New York Times

So in the discussion that follows I'll assume that you're pretty far along already.

Science Magazine

(Fluent says seed round talks are "pretty far along," thank goodness, and should have some news on that front this summer).

TechCrunch

I'm going to kill it.'" The work got "pretty far along," according to Adams.

Huffington Post

"We're pretty far along".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Pretty far out".

The Guardian - Music

He got pretty far.

The Guardian - Music

We were pretty far east.

The New Yorker

"We're not that far along".

The New York Times

"It's too far along," Mr. Luers said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty far along" to indicate that a project, process, or discussion has made substantial progress but is not yet complete. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty far along" when something is nearly finished. Opt for phrases like "almost complete" or "nearing completion" to more accurately reflect the state of progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty far along" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the degree of progress or advancement. It suggests that something is not yet complete, but significant headway has been made. Ludwig examples show that this phrase can be used in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science & Research

13%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty far along" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate that something has made substantial progress but is not yet complete. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for diverse contexts, including news, science, and the arts. While it is considered neutral in formality, alternatives like "well advanced" might be more appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig's analysis suggests that while common, focusing on avoiding overstatement and choosing the precise phrase can enhance clarity in writing. The top sources using the phrase include The New York Times and TechCrunch.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well advanced

Indicates significant progress, often used in a more formal context.

considerably advanced

Emphasizes the extent of progress made.

substantially progressed

Highlights the degree of advancement, often in a technical context.

significantly developed

Focuses on the growth or evolution of something.

well underway

Suggests that something has started and is progressing smoothly.

making good headway

Implies positive and noticeable advancement.

moving along nicely

Indicates satisfactory progress in a casual tone.

coming along well

Similar to "moving along nicely" but slightly more emphatic.

relatively advanced

Highlights that progress is good when compared to other things.

largely completed

Suggests the task or project is near completion with very little remaining to be done.

FAQs

How can I use "pretty far along" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty far along" to describe progress: "We are "pretty far along" in the negotiations, so we expect a resolution soon."

What does "pretty far along" mean?

"Pretty far along" means that something has made considerable progress but is not yet complete. It indicates a stage of development where significant work has been accomplished.

Are there alternatives to saying "pretty far along"?

Yes, alternatives include "well advanced", "considerably advanced", or "substantially progressed", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "pretty far along" in formal writing?

While "pretty far along" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "well advanced" or "considerably advanced" might be more suitable for formal writing.