so far apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so far apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant distance or difference between two or more things, whether physical or metaphorical. Example: "Despite their close friendship, they felt so far apart after the argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was so far apart.

The Guardian

We all lived so far apart.

The Guardian - Books

For Tyler, the two aren't so far apart.

The New York Times - Arts

The historical settings are not so far apart.

The New York Times

"Still, it's a shame the owners and players are so far apart," he said.

The New York Times

And yet, in the context of Ms. DeWoody's collection, they do not seem so far apart.

The New York Times

Still, the signs are troubling, and the sides have rarely seemed so far apart.

The New York Times - Sports

Dig below the surface and Osborne and Bernstein are not so far apart.

The Guardian

I'm still aghast as to how these failures so far apart can cause such widespread misery.

The Guardian

I guess we are on a spectrum of difference that is not so far apart.

Independent

(Apart, but one hopes never so far apart, from the rule of law mattering, that is).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, pair "so far apart" with specific examples to illustrate the extent of the divergence. This adds clarity and strengthens your point.

Common error

Avoid using "so far apart" when describing situations with minor differences or minimal physical distance. This can create a misleading impression of a greater disparity than actually exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so far apart" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the extent of separation or difference. Ludwig AI examples confirm this use across diverse contexts, highlighting its role in quantifying distance, disagreement, or disparity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so far apart" is a very common adverbial phrase used to emphasize the magnitude of separation or difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and formal business domains. While generally neutral in register, it effectively highlights significant disparities. When employing this phrase, ensure the context warrants such emphasis to avoid exaggeration. Consider alternative phrases such as "widely separated" or "poles apart" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poles apart

Indicates extreme opposition or difference.

widely separated

Emphasizes physical distance or spatial separation.

worlds away

Suggests a large difference in experience or perspective.

greatly distanced

Highlights a significant separation, often in a metaphorical sense.

distinctly removed

Indicates a clear and noticeable detachment.

considerably divided

Implies a split or disagreement leading to separation.

light years away

Uses hyperbole to emphasize an almost impossible distance.

vastly different

Focuses on the degree of dissimilarity between two or more things.

widely divergent

Stresses the separation through different paths or trajectories.

not comparable

Highlights the incapability to compare two or more things.

FAQs

What does it mean when things are "so far apart"?

When things are described as "so far apart", it means they are significantly separated either physically, conceptually, or emotionally. The phrase emphasizes a considerable distance or difference.

How can I use "so far apart" in a sentence?

You can use "so far apart" to describe differing opinions (e.g., "The two sides are "so far apart" on the issue that a compromise seems impossible"), physical locations (e.g., "The cities are "so far apart" that traveling between them takes a full day"), or emotional distance (e.g., "After the argument, they felt "so far apart" that they questioned their friendship").

What are some alternatives to saying "so far apart"?

Some alternatives include "widely separated", "vastly different", "poles apart", or "worlds away". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "too far apart" or "so far apart"?

Both "too far apart" and "so far apart" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Too far apart" suggests an undesirable degree of separation, while "so far apart" simply emphasizes the extent of the separation without necessarily implying a negative consequence.