really far ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really far ahead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant lead or advantage in a competition, project, or situation. Example: "In the race, she was really far ahead of the other runners, making it clear she was the favorite to win."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I don't know if we're really far ahead of everyone else," L.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

You need to be really far ahead this time because your revenge is very good at this.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But he was neutralizing really well, just to let me stay a little ahead, but not really get far ahead in the points".

The New York Times

"A problem for Lazio is what is going on at the top of the ticket with Vice President Al Gore," said Larry Hugick, vice president of Princeton Survey Research Associates in Princeton, N.J. "If Gore is really as far ahead in New York as he seems, and it stays that way, it is going to be hard for Lazio.

The New York Times

"I'm not really thinking that far ahead," Beltran said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I tried not to really think too far ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

I just want to take it day by day and not really think too far ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

He looked at me with a grin that said, "Are you really thinking that far ahead?".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I don't think you can really think to far ahead, if you do you could get into some real trouble".

The Guardian - Sport

"We have got to be able to cope with that and the Man City game – which we're not really looking that far ahead, to be perfectly honest – is a different kind of test, but we will face that once we have got the Stoke game out of the way".

The Guardian - Sport

Later, she sings from within a large, illuminated egg, and engages in a routine with white-clad dancers wearing pig's heads and wielding guns that spray paint over the stage: proof that when it comes to making a mainstream pop gig feel like an event, Lady Gaga really is as far ahead of her peers as she thinks she is.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really far ahead" to emphasize a significant lead or advantage, but consider the formality of your audience and choose a more sophisticated alternative if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "really far ahead" excessively, as the word "really" can sometimes weaken the impact of your statement. Opt for more precise or descriptive language to convey the extent of the lead or advantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really far ahead" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It describes the extent or degree to which something is ahead, emphasizing a significant lead or advancement. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really far ahead" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that signifies a substantial lead or advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from various sources, including news and media outlets. While appropriate for many contexts, more formal situations may benefit from alternatives like ""significantly advanced"" or "substantially ahead". While the phrase is correct and usable, according to Ludwig, it is advisable to be mindful of overusing the word “really” and instead focusing on being more descriptive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantially ahead

Highlights a considerable lead, focusing on the magnitude of the difference.

markedly ahead

Highlights that the leading position is easily noticeable.

significantly advanced

Emphasizes the extent of progress, shifting from distance to overall advancement.

substantially in front

Focuses on physical positioning, emphasizing being significantly ahead of others.

appreciably ahead

Indicates that the lead is large enough to be easily perceived or measured.

well in the lead

Highlights a prominent leading position. Slightly less formal.

well out in front

Indicates a clear and distinct leading position.

considerably more advanced

Shifts the focus to the degree of progress made, highlighting its comparative state.

comfortably in the lead

Emphasizes the ease and security of the leading position.

noticeably further along

Focuses on the progress made, making it clear that the progress is easy to see.

FAQs

How can I use "really far ahead" in a sentence?

You can use "really far ahead" to describe being significantly advanced in a race, project, or any situation where progress is measured. For instance: "In terms of innovation, this company is "significantly advanced" in its field."

What are some alternatives to "really far ahead"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "substantially ahead", "well in the lead", or "considerably more advanced".

Is it better to say "far ahead" or "really far ahead"?

While both are grammatically correct, "really far ahead" emphasizes the degree of advancement. "Far ahead" is suitable when the context already implies a significant lead. Adding "really" amplifies this, similar to saying "very far ahead".

When should I avoid using the phrase "really far ahead"?

Avoid using "really far ahead" in formal or academic writing where a more sophisticated or precise term might be preferred. In these contexts, phrases like "significantly advanced" or "substantially in front" might be more appropriate.