Striking the right balance with adverb far

Striking the right balance with adverb far

Created:08 Oct 2024 17:56:14 , in  advanced

In English, one fairly common phrase is "far enough, but not too far". It is a combination of balancing adequacy (far enough) with caution (not too far) used to express a middle ground or compromise.

Components

The phrase has two components:

"far enough" indicates a satisfactory degree of distance,

"but not too far" adds a limiting condition, with "too" signalling excess.

The second part contrasts with the first, emphasizing that the distance should not be excessive.

Example

We walked far enough, but not too far from the campsite to enjoy some privacy without getting lost.

To go far enough but not too far

Sometimes "far enough, but not too far" is preceded by verb "to go" and means to make sufficient progress, or take an action to the right degree, but without going to an extreme or overdoing it. It suggests a balance, or doing enough to achieve the desired result, but stopping short of excess or unintended consequences.

Example

In her speeches on tollerance, Tracy usually goes far enough, but not too far in making her points.

Underperforming or overstepping

The opposite of "to go far enough, but not too far" is "to not go far enough, or to go too far". It indicates underperforming ( not doing enough, or falling short of what is needed or expected), or overstepping ( going too far, or exceeding what is appropriate or acceptable).

Example

Usually Sarah either doesn't go far enough in explaining her view, or goes too far by making personal remarks.

This post was updated on 08 Oct 2024 20:27:51

Tags:  adverb 

Fill blanks test


To complete this test fill in blank fields in the sentences.

Use test configuration form to change test type.

not too far to   your ideas far   but don't go far   if you go too far  

#1 Make your point strongly, but , you might offend them.

#2 Make sure to push enough but not too far, so that they remain respectful during the debate.

#3 Mark updated the layout far enough, but keep it fresh without losing the brand’s identity.

#4 Improve the design, enough to complicate it unnecessarily.

Log in for your test result to be saved.

Test configuration


Configure test type and behaviour for this and other patterns here.

Show configuration options

Test scores


You have to be logged in have your scores saved.

Please, log in or register to unlock this functionality.

Bookmarks


You have to be logged in to bookmark patterns.

Please, log in or register to unlock this functionality.

Notes


You have to be logged in to add your own private notes.

Please, log in or register to unlock this functionality.

Report error


Report error(s) you have spotted on this page.

Form fields labeled with asterisk ( * ) are required. HTML tags are not allowed on this form.

Error reporting form