too far apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too far apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more things are at a significant distance from each other, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "The two buildings are too far apart for us to easily walk between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were too far apart and disjointed".

The New York Times - Sports

Donated meals too far apart.

The Washington Post

The houses are too far apart.

The New York Times

The views are too far apart.

The Guardian

"Hey, now we're too far apart," one says.

The New York Times - Arts

They are standing too far apart to fit.

The Washington Post

Keep them separated, but not too far apart either.

The New York Times - Tech

And most of all, not with lines too far apart.

The New Yorker

"The arms are too low and they're too far apart.

The New York Times

Slight deduction for his feet being too far apart.

The Guardian - Sport

For better and worse, the cultures are too far apart to communicate well.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "too far apart" to describe abstract concepts, ensure the context clearly establishes what is being separated. For instance, "Their political views are too far apart to reach a compromise."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "too far apart" for physical distances; consider more descriptive alternatives. Instead of "The houses were too far apart", try "The houses were separated by acres of land" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too far apart" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to indicate that the distance or difference between them is excessive. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig showcase use in both physical and abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjectival phrase "too far apart" is a versatile expression used to describe excessive separation, both physically and abstractly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, academic papers, and general writing, indicating its broad acceptance across various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is being separated and consider more descriptive alternatives to avoid overuse. Related phrases include "excessively distant" and "widely separated", offering nuances in meaning. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and register, writers can effectively utilize "too far apart" to convey the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively distant

Emphasizes the degree of distance being excessive.

widely separated

Focuses on the act of separating and the resulting wide gap.

significantly removed

Highlights the act of removal and the significant degree of separation.

considerably distanced

Similar to significantly removed, but with a slightly different nuance.

poles apart

Idiomatic expression indicating extreme opposition or difference.

worlds away

Idiomatic expression suggesting a vast difference or separation.

not close

A simple, direct way of expressing lack of proximity.

a great distance

Focuses on the magnitude of the distance involved.

at opposite extremes

Highlights the contrast and opposition between two entities.

separated by a wide margin

Emphasizes the width of the gap separating the entities.

FAQs

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

You can use "too far apart" to describe physical distances, like "The chairs are "too far apart"" or abstract differences, such as "Their opinions are "too far apart" to find common ground."

What's the difference between "too far apart" and "too distant"?

"Too far apart" often implies a separation that prevents interaction or connection, while "too distant" suggests remoteness, either physically or emotionally. For example, you could say "The stars are "too distant" to see without a telescope" or "The houses are "too far apart" to easily walk between them."

Are "too far apart" and "widely separated" interchangeable?

While similar, "too far apart" emphasizes the negative consequence of the distance, while "widely separated" simply states the fact of separation. You might say "The islands are "widely separated" geographically", but "Their goals were "too far apart" for them to collaborate effectively."

What can I say instead of "too far apart" when discussing disagreements?

When referring to disagreements, consider alternatives like "irreconcilable differences", "unbridgeable gap", or "at odds". For instance, "Their beliefs are "at odds"" or "Their ideologies are "too far apart" for compromise".