was far away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was far away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location or state of being that is distant from a reference point, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "When I looked out at the horizon, I remembered that my childhood home was far away, lost in the memories of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fire support was far away.

The New York Times

The nearest road was far away.

The New York Times

But his record collection was far away.

The New Yorker

But home – true home – was far away.

The Guardian

"Africa was far away," he notes perceptively.

The New York Times

I was far away from Gaza.

The New York Times - Sports

This time it was far away.

The New York Times

It was far away and sad.

The Guardian - Books

"You good?" His voice was far away.

The New Yorker

"If we was far away it wouldn't matter.

The New Yorker

In London, she was far away from all that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was far away" to clearly indicate a significant distance, either literal or figurative. Ensure the context makes it clear whether you're referring to physical space, time, or abstract concepts like emotional distance.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "was far away" when expressing abstract distance, such as emotional disconnect or ideological differences. Consider richer, more descriptive alternatives like "was emotionally detached", "held opposing views", or "lived in a different world" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was far away" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating spatial or temporal remoteness. Ludwig examples show its common use in describing locations, emotional states, or future possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was far away" is a common and grammatically sound way to express distance, either physically or metaphorically. According to Ludwig, its most frequent use is within News & Media, making it a versatile phrase for diverse writing needs. To enhance clarity and impact, consider using more descriptive alternatives depending on the specific context such as emotional disconnect or ideological differences. Remember to maintain consistency in tense when using related phrases. Ludwig AI validates the accuracy and usability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was a great distance

Indicates a significant separation, quantifiable in terms of space or time.

was quite remote

Emphasizes the difficulty of accessing or reaching a place.

was a long distance off

Focuses on the considerable physical separation between two points.

was widely separated

Stresses the expanse between two or more entities.

was separated by distance

Highlights physical separation as a defining characteristic.

was a distant prospect

Emphasizes that something is unlikely to happen soon or is not easily attainable.

was worlds apart

Implies a significant difference or incompatibility, not just physical distance.

was remotely located

Highlights the isolated geographical position of something.

was out of reach

Indicates something cannot be attained or contacted.

was nowhere near

Conveys that something fails to satisfy a need or standard.

FAQs

How can I use "was far away" in a sentence?

You can use "was far away" to describe physical distance, such as "The nearest town was far away from our campsite". It can also describe emotional or abstract distance, such as "Her dreams of becoming a doctor were far away after the accident".

What are some alternatives to "was far away"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "was distant", "was remote", "was a long way off", or "was out of reach".

Is it correct to say "is far away" instead of "was far away"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they indicate different tenses. "Is far away" refers to a current state, while "was far away" refers to a past state. For example, "The border is far away" indicates the border's current distance, while "The border was far away" describes its distance in the past.

Can "was far away" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "was far away" can be used metaphorically to describe emotional distance, a significant difference in opinions, or the unlikelihood of achieving something. For example, "Success felt far away after the initial setbacks".