so far away

USAGE SUMMARY

"so far away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a distance or location that is very far from the speaker or from a particular point of reference. Example: "The beach was so far away from their hotel that they had to take a taxi to get there." The phrase can also be used figuratively to describe something that is difficult to reach or achieve. Example: "Success may seem so far away, but with hard work and determination, it can be within your reach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"So far away?

The New York Times

Seems so far away!

The New York Times

They're so far away.

The New Yorker

It is so far away.

The New Yorker

They were so far away!

The New York Times - Books

It's so far away.

The New York Times

She was so far away, so divided.

The New York Times

Local agriculture never seemed so far away.

The New York Times

Such red, and Easter so far away.

The New Yorker

All that seemed so far away Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

It was so far away, so divided.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so far away" to emphasize not just physical distance, but also emotional or temporal remoteness, adding depth to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "so far away" in highly technical or scientific writing where precise measurements are expected. Instead, provide exact distances or use more formal terms like 'spatially separated' or 'at a considerable distance'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so far away" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to describe the extent of distance, both literal and figurative. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so far away" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize distance—physical, emotional, or temporal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and frequently used expression. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news articles to academic papers, and even personal narratives. While very common in News & Media, its presence in Academia, Science and other contexts shows its broad applicability. When striving for precision in technical writing, however, consider using more specific measurements instead. Remember to use "so far away" to add depth and intensity to your descriptions, highlighting the remoteness or inaccessibility of the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distant

This single word captures the sense of being at a considerable remove, either in space or time.

remote

Similar to 'distant', but often implies a greater degree of isolation or inaccessibility.

a long way off

This emphasizes the extent of the distance involved, often used in a literal sense.

far-off

Evokes a sense of romantic or exotic distance, often used for places.

miles away

This is a more emphatic way of stating a great distance, often used figuratively.

out of reach

This phrase suggests something is unattainable or inaccessible, similar to a figurative use of "so far away".

in the distance

Implies that something is visible but at a considerable range.

at a distance

Similar to "in the distance" but can also refer to emotional detachment.

not within reach

Highlights the inaccessibility or unattainability of something, like goals or help.

beyond the horizon

Suggests something is not immediately visible or attainable, hinting at something further.

FAQs

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

You can use "so far away" to describe physical distance, as in "The mountains seemed "so far away"", or emotional distance, as in "After the argument, they felt "so far away" from each other".

What are some alternatives to "so far away"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "distant", "remote", or phrases such as "a long way off" or "miles away".

Is it correct to say "too far away" instead of "so far away"?

Yes, "too far away" is also a grammatically correct phrase. It suggests that the distance is excessive or undesirable.

What's the difference between "far away" and "so far away"?

"So far away" is more emphatic than "far away". The addition of "so" intensifies the feeling of distance or remoteness.