too distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too distant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is far away in terms of physical distance, emotional connection, or time. Example: "The memories of that day feel too distant for me to recall clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's too distant.

The Washington Post

New York was never too distant.

The New York Times

Expect more paper avalanches in the not too distant future.

The Economist

The Davis Cup, in the not too distant future.

The New York Times - Magazine

Surprisingly, $100 is a not too distant second at 16%.

The Economist

"Uncle" was an option, but felt too distant.

The New York Times

Was he too distant from the core of the campaign?

The Washington Post

Some goals may be too broad or too distant.

Harvard Business Review

And doing it in the not too distant future.

MIT Technology Review

It is too distant to be clear, she said.

The Washington Post

In the not too distant future we will all drown".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context makes it clear whether "too distant" refers to physical distance, temporal separation, or emotional detachment to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "too distant" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal or scientific writing can make your writing sound less precise. Consider replacing it with more formal synonyms like "excessively remote" or "prohibitively distant" to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too distant" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is excessively far, remote, or detached. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in diverse contexts, from physical distances to emotional detachment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "too distant" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that is excessively far, remote, or detached, either physically, emotionally, or temporally. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, primarily in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications. Alternatives such as "too far away" or "too remote" can be used for greater precision in formal writing. Understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too far away

Emphasizes physical or metaphorical separation by distance.

too remote

Highlights inaccessibility or lack of immediate connection.

excessively remote

Similar to "too remote" but with stronger emphasis on the degree of remoteness.

overly detached

Focuses on emotional or personal disconnection.

very detached

Highlights the extent of the lack of emotional involvement.

too far removed

Implies a separation in terms of relevance or experience.

excessively isolated

Indicates a significant lack of connection or interaction.

very isolated

Highlights the extent of separation and disconnection from surroundings or society.

extremely isolated

Emphasizes the severity of the lack of social interaction or support.

prohibitively distant

Stresses that the distance makes something impossible or unfeasible.

FAQs

What does the phrase "too distant" mean?

The phrase "too distant" generally means something is too far away, either physically, emotionally, or in time. It suggests a lack of connection or accessibility.

What can I say instead of "too distant"?

You can use alternatives like "too far away", "too remote", or "overly detached" depending on the context.

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

Here's an example: "The stars are too distant to see without a telescope." Another example is: "His emotional unavailability made him seem too distant to form a close bond."

Is it correct to say something is "too distant of a memory"?

While grammatically acceptable, it's often more concise to say "too distant a memory." Both are understandable, but the latter is generally preferred for brevity and flow.