very far back

USAGE SUMMARY

"very far back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a quantity that is large or difficult to measure. For example, "The memory of that day was very far back in my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

These actions are all very closely connected and they reach very far back into prehistory.

Stanford University

But you don't have to look very far back in history for some sobering perspective.

The New York Times

Very far back - I am curious about the beginnings of things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Golding had a darker side, a "feeling of self-contempt which came from very far back.

The Guardian - Books

He didn't have to stretch his memory very far back for proof.

The New York Times - Sports

One drawback with Metacritic is that it doesn't go very far back.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Her tides were convulsive, an ebb and flow that could take you very far, far back, before hurling you out, wildly and triumphantly, on a ribbed and windswept beach without end (pp202-3) "..

The Guardian - Books

Then by twilight the not very far ride back home to Jenkins — not far, he says, not driving — with mists forming on the road and rising into clouds, which then from above in a few places, we had some beautiful views of from above.

University of Chicago

The paired silk glands are often very large, extending far back into the abdomen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ray Liotta's Henry Hill says it loud and clear at the very start: "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.

The Guardian - Film

So Ika did not explain that she, her 3-year-old sister and their mother had not gotten very far on the back of Heri Supriadi's motorbike.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very far back" to describe historical events, ensure that your audience has a clear understanding of the temporal context you are referring to. Providing specific dates or eras can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "very far back" loosely without considering the audience's frame of reference. What seems distant to one person may not be to another. Always ensure that the context provides sufficient information to understand the scope of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very far back" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate the extent to which something extends into the past. Ludwig AI identifies its consistent use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very far back" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates a distant point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and wide acceptance. It is commonly found in news and academic contexts, offering a neutral tone suitable for various audiences. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing context to help your audience understand the specific time frame you are referencing. Consider alternatives like "in the distant past" or "from ancient times" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the distant past

Formal way of indicating a time significantly removed from the present.

from ancient times

Relates to times very distant from the present, often with a sense of tradition.

long ago

Implies a distant time, often used in narratives or historical contexts.

in bygone eras

Refers to periods in the past that are no longer present or remembered vividly.

deep in history

Suggests a point that requires searching through a large amount of history.

way back when

Informal expression indicating a time in the distant past.

way back in the day

Informal and emphatic way to refer to a specific, often fondly remembered, past time.

in prehistoric times

Specifically refers to the time before written history.

in the old days

A more nostalgic and general way to refer to past times.

deep-rooted

Refers to something having origins a long time ago or being strongly ingrained.

FAQs

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

You can use "very far back" to refer to a time long ago, as in, "The origins of this tradition go "very far back" into history."

What's a more formal alternative to "very far back"?

Alternatives like "in the distant past" or "from ancient times" are more formal ways to express the idea of something originating "very far back".

Is it correct to say "way far back" instead of "very far back"?

While "way far back" is understandable in informal contexts, ""very far back"" is generally preferred in more formal writing.

How does "very far back" compare to "long ago" in terms of usage?

"Long ago" is a more general term for the past, while ""very far back"" suggests a point in time that is extremely distant and potentially difficult to trace.