quite far back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite far back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location or time that is significantly distant or removed from a reference point. Example: "The evidence for this theory dates quite far back, to the early 19th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The beginning of another, very different end lies quite far back in American history.

The New Yorker

"Instead, Lythronax shows that the massive-toothed round-snouted forms go quite far back in the tyrant lineage.

The Guardian

The train appeared to move sideways, and I was flung quite far back and bashed my head," she said.

The Guardian

"He was quite far back on points before this week; he has performed well again for the second consecutive major, having played very well at the US PGA when there were also points available.

The Guardian - Sport

"Jenson showed in the past coming from right at the back it's possible, Fernando showed in the last race coming from quite far back is possible, we'll just have to do the best job we can and see what happens.

BBC

The mouse is designed for use with either hand, and consequently it is symmetrical and the sensor is dead center and for some reason quite far back towards your palm.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's probably not necessary to get quite so far back into the woods; any place without Internet will do.

The New Yorker

It doesn't tilt quite as far back as some other laptops, but far enough for comfortable viewing at a desk.

The Guardian - Tech

"I didn't think he'd be quite as far back as he was, but I was happy with the way he ran.

The New York Times - Sports

But his setting was not static: gradually he peeled away the thornier aspects of his sound world, effectively moving backward into the tonal world of the late 19th century (but not going quite as far back as Bach's time).

The New York Times - Arts

Quite how far back in time, though, is uncertain.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite far back", ensure the context clearly establishes the reference point from which the distance (temporal or spatial) is being measured.

Common error

Avoid using "quite far back" excessively in formal or academic writing; more precise and formal alternatives such as "considerably earlier" or "in the distant past" are often preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite far back" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent to which something is located in the past or at a distance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite far back" functions as an adverbial modifier to emphasize the distance or time elapsed since a particular event or origin. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct. Its usage is more common in news and media, with a neutral register, making it suitable for general discussions but potentially requiring more precise alternatives in formal or scientific contexts. Related phrases include "considerably in the past" and "in the distant past", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure that the reference point for measuring the distance or time is clearly established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the distant past

Focuses on the remoteness of the time.

considerably in the past

Emphasizes the temporal distance more explicitly.

significantly earlier

Highlights the temporal precedence.

well in the past

Emphasizes the time has passed thoroughly.

a significant time ago

Highlights the importance and length of the time elapsed.

much earlier than

Direct comparison to a more recent time.

long ago

A simpler, more general expression of past time.

substantially behind

Focuses on a position that lags considerably.

way back when

More informal and colloquial, suitable for casual contexts.

deep in history

Implies the event is buried within historical records.

FAQs

How can I use "quite far back" in a sentence?

You can use "quite far back" to indicate a time or position that is significantly distant from the present. For example, "The origins of this tradition date "quite far back", to the 18th century."

What are some alternatives to "quite far back"?

Alternatives include "considerably in the past", "long ago", or "in the distant past", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite far back" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "quite far back" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using phrases like "significantly earlier" or "substantially behind" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "quite far back" and "far back"?

The addition of "quite" intensifies the sense of distance or time elapsed. "Far back" simply indicates a distance or time in the past, while "quite far back" emphasizes that the distance or time is considerable.