was far back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was far back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is located at a significant distance behind a reference point in time or space. Example: "The car was far back in the line of traffic, making it difficult to see the front."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Zatopek, the winner of the 1952 Olympic marathon, was far back, in sixth place.

The New York Times - Sports

She was far back in the box-office queue when a board went up: "House Full".

The New Yorker

Trained by Nick Zito, a two-time Kentucky Derby winner, Ice Box was far back early under Jose Lezcano, dropping back to last in the 11-horse field.

The New York Times - Sports

Bjoergen was far back in her semifinal entering the final straight and then fell as she tried to move up the field.

The Guardian - Sport

By E. B. White and M. B. Levick The New Yorker, July 13 , 1929P. 9 The world, examined by us calmly, seems to us much the same as it was far back as we can remember.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Moyo, the early riser, had her usual sought-after, low number — 26 — while Mrs. Nyabinde, the hospital worker on the overnight shift, was far back at No. 148 because she had arrived late — about 5 15 a.m.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It could be far back".

The New York Times

His racquet is far back and ready.

The New Yorker

McLaughlin and Brubaker, the 2007 world junior champions, are far back.

The New York Times - Sports

He acknowledged being far back in the polls and unlikely to match leading rivals' fund-raising.

The New York Times

If the lesion is far back in the lobe, the hallucinations may be of unformed lights, colours, or shapes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relative positions in a race or competition, use "was far back" to clearly indicate a significant distance or deficit from the leader.

Common error

Avoid using "was far back" when describing a slight difference or a metaphorical distance where 'slightly behind' or 'a bit late' would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was far back" primarily functions as a descriptive element, indicating the position or state of being significantly behind or distant from a reference point. Ludwig examples show it describing positions in races, queues, and rankings. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

23%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was far back" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a significant distance behind in space, time, or rank. Ludwig examples demonstrate its application in diverse contexts, from describing positions in races to queues. The analysis indicates a neutral register and frequent use in news and media. Understanding its contextual use is key to avoiding misapplication in situations requiring more nuanced descriptions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. Several alternative phrases, such as "was well behind" or "trailed significantly", can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was well behind

Simple and direct synonym, indicating being behind by a large margin.

was lagging behind

Focuses on the action of falling behind.

lagged considerably

Emphasizes the extent of being behind.

trailed significantly

Highlights the action of following at a distance.

remained at the rear

Indicates a position at the back.

was a long way off

Implies distance, either physically or metaphorically.

was situated distantly

Highlights the location at a considerable distance.

was distanced

Highlights the separation from others, in a competitive or social context.

dwelt in the past

Referring to time, indicating being stuck in earlier times.

receded into obscurity

Describes a fading into the background or insignificance.

FAQs

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

Use "was far back" to indicate a significant distance behind in a race, a queue, or any situation involving relative position. For instance, "The horse was far back at the start of the race, but gained momentum later."

What phrases are similar to "was far back"?

Similar phrases include "was well behind", "lagged considerably", or "trailed significantly", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was far back of"?

While understandable, "was far back of" is less common and idiomatic than "was far back". It's generally better to omit the "of" for clearer and more natural English.

What does "was far back" imply?

It typically implies a considerable gap or distance separating one thing from another, whether physically, temporally, or in terms of rank or progress.