Long gone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Long gone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something or someone has been absent for a significant amount of time or is no longer present. Example: "The days of carefree childhood are long gone, replaced by the responsibilities of adulthood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Long gone!

The New York Times

Long gone, now, sadly.

The Guardian - Travel

"Long gone," she said.

The New York Times - Food

Long gone is Luis Cruz.

Los Angeles Times

"But that's long gone.

The New York Times

They'd be long gone.

The New Yorker

It's long gone.

The New York Times

That house, long gone.

The New Yorker

Feudalism is long gone.

The Economist

They're long gone now.

The New Yorker

They've long gone!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "Long gone" with evocative imagery to enhance the emotional impact. For example, "The laughter in this house is long gone, leaving only silence behind."

Common error

Avoid using "Long gone" for situations that are temporary or easily reversible. It's best reserved for things that are unlikely to return. For instance, saying "The rain is long gone" after a brief shower is inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Long gone" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It is used to describe a state of being where something is no longer present or has disappeared, often with the implication of permanence or irretrievability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Long gone" is an adjective phrase used to describe something that is permanently absent or irretrievable. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "Long gone", ensure that it accurately reflects the permanence of the absence and consider the emotional tone it conveys. Alternatives like "vanished without a trace" or "no longer exists" can provide similar meanings, but "Long gone" is particularly effective for emphasizing finality. Avoid using it in temporary situations or contexts where the absence is not permanent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Disappeared completely

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the disappearance.

Vanished without a trace

Highlights the mysterious nature of the disappearance.

No longer exists

Focuses on the cessation of existence.

Passed into oblivion

Suggests a complete and irreversible disappearance.

Faded into history

Implies that something has become a part of the past.

Extinct

Used primarily for species or phenomena that no longer exist.

Out of sight

Highlights the absence from view.

Irretrievably lost

Indicates that something cannot be recovered.

Nowhere to be found

Emphasizes the inability to locate something or someone.

Ceased to be

A more formal way of saying something no longer exists.

FAQs

How can I use "Long gone" in a sentence?

"Long gone" is typically used to indicate that something or someone has been absent for a significant amount of time or is permanently missing. For example: "The era of handwritten letters is "long gone"."

What phrases are similar to "Long gone"?

Alternatives to "Long gone" include "vanished without a trace", "no longer exists", or "passed into oblivion".

Is it appropriate to use "Long gone" in formal writing?

Yes, "Long gone" can be used in formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the permanent absence of something. However, consider the tone and context to ensure it fits appropriately. A more neutral phrase like "no longer exists" might be preferable in certain formal contexts.

What's the difference between "Long gone" and "Lost"?

"Lost" implies that something can potentially be found or recovered, while "Long gone" suggests a permanent state of absence or irretrievability. For example, "My keys are lost" suggests I might find them, but "My youth is "long gone"" implies it's irretrievable.