were far away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were 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 particular point of reference. Example: "When I looked out at the mountains, I remembered the days when we were far away from the hustle and bustle of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some were far away.

The Washington Post

The Falklands were far away, small, unknown.

The New Yorker

"We were far away," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

The hip, literary kids were far away.

The New Yorker

The big leagues were far away.

The New York Times - Sports

Thoughts of Oscar were far away.

The New York Times

"We were far away from that," he said.

The New York Times

But the later microcephaly outbreaks were far away.

The New York Times - Health

When they were far away they spoke in blue.

The New York Times - Books

Some heads were far away [from] the people".

The Guardian

We had scared them and they were far away now.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were far away" to effectively communicate physical distance, emotional detachment, or abstract separation in your writing. Consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended degree of distance.

Common error

Avoid using "were far away" when a more precise measurement of distance is possible. While it conveys a general sense of distance, providing specific numbers or landmarks will improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were far away" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate distance or separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were far away" is a versatile expression used to indicate distance, separation, or remoteness, as determined by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts—ranging from news and media to scientific publications—make it a reliable choice for writers. When using this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended degree of distance, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain academic or professional settings. Remember to avoid vagueness by providing specific details or measurements of distance when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were distant

Emphasizes a lack of proximity, both physically and metaphorically.

were remote

Highlights inaccessibility and isolation.

were a long way off

Focuses on the considerable distance involved.

were out of reach

Indicates something is unattainable or inaccessible.

were far removed

Stresses the disconnection or separation from something.

were at a distance

A more formal way of expressing that something is not nearby.

were in the distance

Implies visibility, but from a significant separation.

were light years away

Emphasizes extreme distance, often used metaphorically.

were galaxies apart

Similar to "light years away", indicating a vast, unbridgeable gap.

were poles apart

Implies opposite ends and huge diversity.

FAQs

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

You can use "were far away" to describe physical distance (e.g., "The mountains were far away"), emotional distance (e.g., "Their dreams were far away"), or temporal distance (e.g., "Those days were far away").

What are some alternatives to saying "were far away"?

Alternatives include "were distant", "were remote", or "were a long way off", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "were far away" in formal writing?

Yes, "were far away" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though in very formal contexts, alternatives like "were at a distance" might be preferred.

Can "were far away" be used metaphorically?

Yes, it's often used metaphorically to describe emotional distance, unattainable goals, or significant differences, such as "Their ideals were far away from reality".