very distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very distant" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase "very distant" to describe something that is a long way away. For example, "The island we could see in the distance was very distant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It seems very distant.

The New York Times - Travel

It is not a very distant world.

The New Yorker

"We're very distant," Mr. Forseter said.

The New York Times

And also very distant from the present.

The New York Times

Maybe Kim Jong Un seemed very distant to them.

Independent

It was comfortable and very distant, I mean, very distant, uh, you know, in every way".

The New Yorker

Thursday's cutback on data makes such futures feel very distant.

The Guardian

Amid the looming cuts, those years seem very distant today.

The Guardian - Opinion

In some comparisons, I come in a very distant second.

The New York Times - Sports

Improving the IT organisational agility was a very distant second.

The Guardian

Labour's feminist new look in 1997 looks very distant now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance clarity by specifying the type of distance: "geographically very distant", "emotionally very distant", or "temporally very distant".

Common error

Avoid using "very distant" in overly casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "far away" or "not close" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very distant" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective "distant". It describes nouns by indicating a significant separation in space, time, or relationship. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing physical objects, temporal events, and familial connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

16%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very distant" is a grammatically sound and widely used adjectival phrase that intensifies the concept of distance, whether physical, temporal, or relational. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s common in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To maximize impact, specify the type of distance and avoid overuse in overly informal settings. Alternatives include "far removed" and "highly remote". Be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far removed

Emphasizes the degree of separation, implying something is significantly distanced or detached.

highly remote

Highlights the inaccessibility or isolation of something.

considerably apart

Focuses on the measurable distance between two or more entities.

noticeably separated

Draws attention to the distinct gap or division between items or ideas.

substantially distanced

Indicates a significant degree of removal or estrangement.

markedly detached

Implies a clear lack of connection or involvement.

appreciably far

Highlights that the distance is easily perceived or substantial.

significantly isolated

Focuses on the lack of connection or interaction due to distance.

relatively remote

Suggests distance when compared to other possible locations or situations.

quite far off

A more informal way of saying something is a long way away, either physically or metaphorically.

FAQs

What does "very distant" mean?

The phrase "very distant" means far away in space, time, or relationship. It indicates a significant degree of separation or remoteness.

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

You can use "very distant" to describe physical locations (e.g., "a very distant galaxy"), time periods (e.g., "a very distant memory"), or relationships (e.g., "They are "very distant relatives"").

What are some synonyms for "very distant"?

Synonyms for "very distant" include "far removed", "highly remote", or "considerably apart". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "very distant" or "distant"?

"Very distant" emphasizes a greater degree of distance than simply "distant". Use "very distant" when you want to highlight a significant separation.