very far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant distance between two points or locations. Example: "The nearest gas station is very far from here, so we should fill up before we leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Very far".

The New Yorker

Very far behind.

The New York Times - Arts

It didn't progress very far.

Independent

I've never strayed very far.

Independent

You couldn't get very far.

The New Yorker

And not very far off.

The New York Times - Sports

Religion seems very far indeed.

The New York Times - Arts

I didn't get very far".

The New York Times - Books

Very far removed from Cairo".

The New York Times

They won't get very far.

The New York Times - Arts

Talent takes teams very far.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "very far" with stronger, more descriptive alternatives like "worlds apart" or "a great distance" to add impact and precision to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "very far" can make your writing sound bland. Opt for more vivid and specific language to describe distance, such as "remote", "distant", or "far-flung".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very far" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to describe the extent of distance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, often to emphasize the degree to which something is distant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very far" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that effectively conveys a significant degree of distance, both physical and metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While it's a versatile phrase, consider enriching your writing by using more descriptive alternatives like "extremely distant" or "worlds apart" to add nuance and impact. As a word of caution, remember to avoid overuse, especially in more formal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely distant

Highlights the remoteness of the location or concept.

a great distance

Emphasizes the extent of the separation more directly.

a long way off

Implies both distance and a potential future arrival point.

far off in the distance

Adds a visual element, suggesting something is seen at a great distance.

considerably remote

Emphasizes the significant degree of remoteness.

noticeably remote

Underlines how easily observed the degree of remoteness is.

remote and inaccessible

Highlights the challenges in reaching a particular destination.

well away

Indicates a secure or safe distance from something.

at the other end of the world

Exaggerates the distance, indicating something is as far as possible.

worlds apart

Suggests a conceptual or metaphorical distance.

FAQs

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

"Very far" is used to describe something that is a great distance away, either physically or metaphorically. For example, "The destination was "very far" from where we started" or "Their opinions are "very far" apart".

What are some synonyms for "very far"?

Alternatives to "very far" include "extremely distant", "a long way off", or "considerably remote". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "very far" or "far away"?

Both "very far" and "far away" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Very far" emphasizes the degree of distance, while "far away" is a more general description. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and style of your writing.

How does the meaning of "very far" change in different contexts?

The core meaning of "very far" remains consistent, indicating a significant distance. However, in metaphorical contexts, it can describe large differences in opinions, beliefs, or experiences, rather than physical distance.