we still have a ways to go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we still have a ways to go" is not entirely correct in standard written English.
The correct form should be "we still have a way to go." You can use it to express that there is still progress to be made or that a journey is not yet complete. Example: "Although we've made significant progress on the project, we still have a way to go before it's finished."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We still have a ways to go".

The New York Times - Sports

Because we still have a ways to go".

The New York Times

"So we still have a ways to go".

The New York Times

We still have a ways to go, which is encouraging".

The New York Times - Sports

However, we still have a ways to go.

The New York Times

"These are almost identical," he says, "but we still have a ways to go".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We still have a way to go before selection.

BBC

We are making progress, however we still have a way to go.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

"But we still had a ways to go".

The New York Times - Sports

Some searches still have a ways to go.

The New York Times

"I still have a ways to go," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure it's followed by context indicating what specific goal or milestone hasn't been reached yet. For instance, "we still have a way to go before achieving complete market saturation".

Common error

Avoid using the plural form "ways" in this context. The correct idiom is "we still have a way to go", indicating a remaining distance or progress needed. "Ways" implies multiple paths, which doesn't align with the intended meaning of needing to continue progressing toward a single goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we still have a ways to go" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that progress has been made, but the final goal or destination has not yet been reached. This is highlighted by Ludwig AI, which identifies that the grammatically correct phrase is "we still have a way to go."

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we still have a ways to go" is an idiomatic expression signaling that progress has been made, but completion is outstanding. As Ludwig AI points out, the grammatically correct version is "we still have a way to go". Although not inherently formal, it fits well in neutral registers. It is used to moderate expectations and honestly assess how much more must be done. Be cautious of using "ways" instead of "way", and make sure that there's a well-defined objective in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we still have a long way to go

Replaces "ways" with "long way", emphasizing the extent of the remaining progress.

we still have much to achieve

Focuses on the achievements that are yet to be accomplished.

we still have a distance to cover

Uses a spatial metaphor, suggesting the journey is not yet over.

we're not there yet

A more concise and informal way of saying progress is still needed.

we haven't reached our goal

Highlights that the ultimate objective remains unmet.

there's more work to be done

Emphasizes the necessity of further effort.

we still have ground to gain

Suggests the need to improve or catch up.

we are not quite there yet

Adds a nuance of near completion, but acknowledges more is required.

we have further to advance

Highlights the need for continued advancement.

the journey is not over

Metaphorically suggests that the task is ongoing.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "we still have a ways to go"?

The correct phrasing is "we still have "we still have a way to go"". The term "ways" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What does "we still have a ways to go" mean?

It means that although progress has been made, there is still more work or distance to cover before reaching a goal or desired outcome.

Are there alternative expressions for "we still have a ways to go"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "we still have a long way to go", "we're not there yet", or "more work to be done" depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "we still have a ways to go"?

It's suitable when assessing progress on a project, discussing improvements in a field, or acknowledging ongoing efforts toward a goal. For example, "Although sales have increased, we still have a long way to go to meet our annual target".