very far apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"very far apart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when two things are distant from each other, either physically or figuratively. For example, "The two towns were very far apart, it took us an hour to drive between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we are still very far apart".

The New York Times

You have two very large galaxies very far apart.

Cornell University

"We're just very far apart," she said unhappily.

The New Yorker

Where as 20 years ago they were very far apart.

Harvard Business Review

"They seem to be very, very far apart," she said.

The New York Times

But positions are very far apart, and currently unbridgeable.

The Guardian

"Philadelphia and Los Angeles are very far apart".

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Asia's historical time zones remain very, very far apart.

The New York Times - Books

"I think the perception and the reality are very far apart," he said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I would say that the formal proposals are very far apart," Stern said.

The New York Times - Sports

In addition, the sides will initially be very far apart over Trident.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very far apart" to emphasize a significant separation, whether physical or conceptual. This phrase effectively conveys the magnitude of the distance or difference.

Common error

Avoid using "very far apart" when a simple "far apart" will suffice. Overusing "very" can dilute the impact of your writing; reserve it for truly significant distances or disparities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very far apart" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to describe the extent of separation, whether physical or abstract. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively conveys a considerable distance or difference. Examples show its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very far apart" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that effectively conveys a significant degree of separation, either physically or conceptually. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. While the register is generally neutral, it's essential to reserve "very" for truly significant separations to maintain its impact. Considering semantically related phrases like "widely separated" or "poles apart" can add nuance to your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, you can use "very far apart" with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worlds away

Emphasizes a vast difference in experience or circumstances.

widely separated

Emphasizes the extent of physical distance between two or more entities.

vastly different

Indicates a large degree of dissimilarity.

poles apart

Suggests an extreme divergence, often in opinions or beliefs.

considerably distant

Highlights the significant degree of separation.

a great distance

Stresses the magnitude of the space separating items.

markedly divergent

Points to a clear deviation or difference in direction.

distinctly disparate

Focuses on the marked difference or inequality between two things.

significantly removed

Implies a noteworthy degree of displacement or detachment.

completely detached

Highlights a total lack of connection or proximity.

FAQs

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

You can use "very far apart" to describe physical distances, such as "The two cities are "very far apart", requiring a long journey". It can also describe conceptual differences, such as "Their opinions on the matter are "very far apart"".

What are some alternatives to saying "very far apart"?

Alternatives include "widely separated", "poles apart", or "worlds away", depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the type and extent of separation.

Is it always necessary to include "very" when describing something as far apart?

No, it's not always necessary. Using just "far apart" can be sufficient if the context already implies a significant distance. Adding "very" emphasizes that the distance or difference is particularly large or notable.

How does "very far apart" differ from "somewhat far apart"?

"Very far apart" indicates a significant degree of separation, while "somewhat far apart" suggests a moderate or lesser degree of separation. The choice depends on the magnitude of the distance or difference you wish to convey.