far
Describes a great distance between two places, people, or things. It is used to talk about something that is not near or close by.
Examples
3 of 5Is the bus stop far from your house?
Is the bus stop far from your house?
The proposed site is far from the city center.
The proposed site is far from the city center.
It's not that far, let's just walk.
It's not that far, let's just walk.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'star' in the sky; it is very 'far'.
Quick Quiz
The airport is too ___ to walk to, so we should take a taxi.
Correct!
The correct answer is: far
Examples
Is the bus stop far from your house?
everydayIs the bus stop far from your house?
The proposed site is far from the city center.
formalThe proposed site is far from the city center.
It's not that far, let's just walk.
informalIt's not that far, let's just walk.
The study examines the far reaches of the solar system.
academicThe study examines the far reaches of the solar system.
The company is looking at opportunities in the far east market.
businessThe company is looking at opportunities in the far east market.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
so far, so good
everything is fine up to this point
by far
by a large amount
far and wide
over a large area
Often Confused With
Farther is used specifically for physical distance, while further can be used for metaphorical distance or 'more'.
Usage Notes
In everyday English, we often use 'a long way' in positive sentences (e.g., 'It is a long way') and 'far' in questions or negative sentences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'It is very far' in positive statements when 'It is a long way away' sounds more natural to native speakers.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'star' in the sky; it is very 'far'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'feorr', meaning 'at a great distance'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The perception of what is 'far' varies by country; in the US or Australia, a 100km drive might be considered short, whereas in the UK, it is often seen as far.
Quick Quiz
The airport is too ___ to walk to, so we should take a taxi.
Correct!
The correct answer is: far
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
boned
B2Primarily used as an adjective, 'boned' describes something that has a specific type of skeletal structure or a piece of meat from which the bones have been removed. In the context of garments, it refers to items reinforced with stiff strips, such as a corset, to maintain a specific shape.
boneyard
B2A boneyard is a place where old, discarded, or obsolete items—typically large machinery like aircraft or vehicles—are stored or dismantled for parts. It is also an informal or regional term for a cemetery or burial ground.
bonfire
B2A large, controlled outdoor fire lit for celebration, signaling, or to dispose of garden waste. It is typically much larger than a standard campfire and is often the centerpiece of a social or cultural event.
bongo
B2To play the bongo drums or to strike a surface rhythmically and repeatedly with the fingers or palms. In academic or technical contexts, it often refers to the specific percussive action used in ethnomusicology or the observation of rhythmic motor patterns in behavioral studies.
bonito
B2A bonito is a medium-sized, predatory marine fish belonging to the Scombridae family, which also includes tuna and mackerel. In culinary contexts, it is most famous for being dried, fermented, and smoked to create flakes used in Japanese stocks and seasonings.
bonkers
B2An informal adjective used to describe someone or something that is crazy, insane, or highly eccentric. It can refer to a person's mental state, a chaotic situation, or an idea that seems completely absurd or wild.
bonny
B2An adjective primarily used in British and Scottish English to describe someone, especially a woman or child, who is physically attractive, healthy, and cheerful. It conveys a sense of natural beauty combined with a robust or wholesome appearance.
bonsai
B2Relating to the Japanese art of growing miniature trees in containers through careful pruning and wiring. When used as an adjective, it describes plants or objects that have been miniaturized or styled according to these aesthetic principles.
bony
B2Describes someone or a part of the body that is very thin, allowing the underlying bone structure to be seen or felt. It also refers to anything made of or resembling bone, particularly in biological or anatomical contexts.
boo
B2In informal contexts, 'boo' can be used as an adjective to describe something that is disappointing, poor in quality, or undesirable. It is more commonly recognized as a sound of disapproval or a slang term of endearment, but its use as a descriptor for 'bad' is found in specific colloquial dialects.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free