too far removed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too far removed" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe someone or something who is outside of one's normal sphere of influence, particularly when the subject is too distant for casual interaction or interpersonal connection. For example, "After moving away, I felt too far removed from my old friends and community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm too far removed from it".

The New York Times - Sports

The present system is too far removed from public scrutiny.

The New York Times

Winters was never too far removed from Navy life.

The Washington Post

Something not too far removed from magic is at work.

The New York Times - Books

Otherwise, this too far removed from reality for any traffic engineer to take it seriously.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And he is never too far removed from the writing of ancient times.

The New Yorker

To practice Gaga you can't be too far removed from your sense of humor.

The New York Times - Arts

The younger people are too far removed from their Southern roots.

The New York Times - Food

By definition, however, there is always an adjacency too far removed for successful repeaters.

Harvard Business Review

The minister is too far removed from the provinces and powerless to influence what goes on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Does that make it too far removed from the head of power in the constitution?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "too far removed" to describe situations where a lack of connection or understanding stems from distance, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual. For instance, "The policy decisions seemed too far removed from the daily realities of the workers."

Common error

Avoid using "too far removed" when describing differences that are minor or within a closely related context. Opt for phrases like "slightly different" or "not quite the same" instead. "Too far removed" implies a significant disconnect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too far removed" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is distant, disconnected, or irrelevant. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting a disconnect between ideas, people, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science & Research

3%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too far removed" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of disconnection or irrelevance. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adjectival phrase and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overusing it in situations where the differences are minor. Consider alternatives like "too distant" or "out of touch" for nuanced meanings. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to critique policies, actions, or concepts that lack a clear connection to real-world concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too distant

Emphasizes physical or metaphorical distance, suggesting a lack of closeness or relevance.

too detached

Highlights a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

too disconnected

Focuses on a break in communication or a lack of understanding.

not closely related

Suggests a lack of direct association or relevance.

out of touch

Implies a loss of familiarity or understanding of current trends or realities.

isolated from

Highlights the state of being separated or cut off from something.

alienated from

Focuses on the feeling of estrangement or separation.

not connected to

Indicates a lack of any link or relationship.

removed from reality

Stresses a detachment from practical or everyday concerns.

beyond the pale

Implies that something is outside the bounds of acceptability or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "too far removed" to indicate a sense of disconnection or irrelevance, such as "The theoretical concepts were "too far removed" from practical application" or "The executive's decisions seemed "too far removed" from the employees' daily experiences".

What are some alternatives to "too far removed"?

Alternatives include "too distant", "too detached", "out of touch", or "disconnected from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "too far removed from" or "too remotely connected to"?

"Too far removed from" is generally preferred due to its common usage and clearer meaning. "Too remotely connected to" is less conventional and may sound awkward. The choice depends on the context, but "too far removed from" is often more effective.

When is it appropriate to use "too far removed" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when describing abstract concepts, policies, or decisions that lack a clear connection to real-world applications or practical concerns. For instance, "The government's economic projections were "too far removed" from the realities faced by small businesses".