too far sideways

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too far sideways" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has deviated excessively from a desired direction or position, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The project has gone too far sideways, and we need to realign our goals to get back on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

You don't have to go very far back or too far sideways in most African-American families to find a domestic.

The New York Times - Arts

Don't turn too far sideways; if you are standing at right angles to your opponent you can be knocked to the side.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I never came at you sideways, you took it too far.

The Guardian - Music

A concept too far?

Independent

Just not too far.

The New York Times - Sports

"This was too far".

Independent

Too far to travel?

The New Yorker

Too far away.

The New York Times

"They went too far".

The New York Times

They go too far.

The New Yorker

The step too far.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "too far sideways", ensure the context clearly establishes the reference point from which the deviation is occurring. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "too far sideways" without clearly indicating what is considered the 'correct' or intended direction. Ambiguity can arise if the reader cannot easily identify the expected trajectory or alignment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too far sideways" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the extent of deviation or displacement. Ludwig AI examples showcase its usage in describing physical positioning and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too far sideways" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe an excessive deviation from a particular direction or position. As highlighted by Ludwig, while its usage is relatively rare, the phrase appears in contexts like news articles and how-to guides. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the reference point is crucial. Consider related alternatives such as "excessively skewed" or "unduly deviated" to achieve variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unduly deviated

Highlights the act of straying from a path or standard to an unreasonable extent.

excessively skewed

Focuses on the skew or distortion being beyond an acceptable limit.

extremely skewed

Emphasizes the extreme nature of the distortion.

too askew

Implies a state of being out of alignment more than necessary.

overly inclined

Emphasizes the degree of leaning or predisposition in a certain direction.

excessively slanted

Specifically refers to the degree of slant exceeding what is normal or acceptable.

unduly aslant

Describes something being at an excessive angle.

significantly divergent

Indicates a notable departure from a common point or path.

far too oblique

Highlights that the angle or direction is excessively indirect or evasive.

considerably off-center

Focuses on the extent of displacement from the central point.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "too far sideways" to sound more formal?

Consider alternatives like "excessively skewed", "unduly deviated", or "significantly divergent" to achieve a more formal tone. The choice depends on the specific context.

What does "too far sideways" mean in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "too far sideways" can describe a project or plan that has "gone off course", or an argument that has taken an "unexpected turn".

Is it correct to say "too far sideway" instead of "too far sideways"?

No, "too far sideway" is grammatically incorrect. The adverb "sideways" is needed to properly modify "far" in this context. The correct phrase is "too far sideways".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "too far sideways"?

It's appropriate when describing a physical or metaphorical deviation that exceeds acceptable limits, such as a stance in combat or the direction of a project.