quite distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite distant" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is far away or at a significant distance. Example: The mountain range was quite distant, making it difficult to reach by foot.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he has often seemed quite distant.

The New York Times

It was quite distant from me.

The Guardian - Music

Some pieces of even quite distant history are surprisingly available.

The New Yorker

The two men, who occupy quite distant points on the hip-hop spectrum, do have form.

Independent

The preoccupation now is with creating a soundscape by using assonantal rhymes, often quite distant ones.

The Guardian - Books

But for now the tenor of Catholicism here seems quite distant psychologically from that in Boston.

The New York Times

By this time, Francine was at the Spence School and felt quite distant from her fashionable mother.

The New Yorker

But this too seems quite distant from any potential Nilotic DNA stream including via the "superhighway" of the Nile River.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Honestly, it's not the furthest thing away from my mind, but it is quite distant compared to directors, producers".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

These "within-school" reformers are often quite distant from schools and include governments, some academics, commentators and corporate donors.

The Guardian - Opinion

Brilliant for readers like me, whose study of classics was a little stunted or now feels quite distant.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite distant" to subtly convey a sense of separation, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual. Its nuanced tone makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "quite distant" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger synonyms like "markedly different" or "considerably apart" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite distant" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a significant degree of separation or remoteness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct usage, observable in examples ranging from geographical distances to emotional detachment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite distant" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase to express a notable degree of separation, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual. As Ludwig AI validated, it is appropriate in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific writing. While alternatives exist, such as "fairly remote" or "somewhat detached", "quite distant" offers a balanced and versatile option for conveying distance or detachment with nuance. The phrase sees common use across authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly remote

Emphasizes physical or conceptual remoteness more directly than "quite distant".

somewhat detached

Highlights a lack of emotional connection or involvement.

rather removed

Similar to "quite distant" but can imply a deliberate act of distancing.

relatively far

Focuses specifically on physical distance.

considerably apart

Indicates a significant separation, whether physical or abstract.

markedly different

Shifts the focus to differences in characteristics or qualities.

distinctly separate

Emphasizes the clear and defined nature of the separation.

appreciably aloof

Highlights emotional distance or disinterest.

noticeably estranged

Suggests a breakdown in a previously close relationship.

substantially disconnected

Emphasizes a lack of connection or communication.

FAQs

How can I use "quite distant" in a sentence?

You can use "quite distant" to describe something physically far away, like "The island was quite distant from the mainland". It can also describe something emotionally or conceptually remote, such as "Their views on the matter were quite distant from each other".

What are some alternatives to "quite distant"?

Alternatives include "fairly remote", "somewhat detached", or "rather removed", depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "very distant" instead of "quite distant"?

Yes, "very distant" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. The choice between "quite distant" and "very distant" often comes down to stylistic preference; "very distant" emphasizes the extent of the distance more strongly.

Can "quite distant" be used to describe time?

Yes, "quite distant" can be used to describe something that happened a long time ago. For example, "That event is now quite distant in my memory" implies that the event occurred many years ago.