Not long ago

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not long ago" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time in the recent past, often when recounting events or experiences. Example: "Not long ago, I visited a beautiful park that I had never seen before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Not long ago 'Aug.

The New Yorker

Not long ago, an N.G.O.

The New Yorker

Not long ago, the Berlin d.j.j

The New Yorker

Not long ago, she saw it again.

The New Yorker

Not long ago, an additional… 1.

The New Yorker

Not long ago, I called my mother.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not long ago I wrote about reports.

The New Yorker

Not long ago, Misbah looked washed up.

The New York Times - Sports

Not long ago, he was president.

The New York Times

Not long ago.

The New Yorker

Not long ago he did.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Not long ago", ensure the context clearly indicates the timeframe you're referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or references to related events.

Common error

While versatile, excessive use of "Not long ago" can make formal writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases like "recently" or "in the recent past" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Not long ago" functions as an adverbial phrase of time. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating when something happened, placing the event in the recent past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used to set the stage for narratives or to draw contrasts with the present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Not long ago" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a time in the recent past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media contexts. While "recently" and "a short while ago" serve as good alternatives, consider the subtle differences in meaning and formality. Avoid overuse in very formal writing to maintain a sophisticated tone. Remember, the key is to provide temporal context and highlight changes effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Recently

More concise and direct, suitable for various contexts.

Not so long ago

Emphasizes that the event is still relatively fresh in memory.

In the recent past

More formal and emphasizes the past nature of the event.

A short while ago

Emphasizes the brevity of the time passed.

Just recently

Adds emphasis to the recency of the event.

Lately

Refers to a period of time leading up to the present.

Of late

More formal alternative to lately.

In recent times

Similar to "in the recent past" but slightly broader.

In the not-too-distant past

A more descriptive and slightly longer alternative.

Not long since then

This alternative slightly modifies the sentence structure to emphasize the time elapsed from a specific event.

FAQs

How can I use "Not long ago" in a sentence?

"Not long ago" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a past event. For example: "Not long ago, the city was much quieter." You can also insert it mid-sentence, though this is less common.

What are some alternatives to "Not long ago"?

Alternatives include "recently", "a short while ago", "lately", or "in the recent past". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "Not so long ago" instead of "Not long ago"?

Yes, "Not so long ago" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. It adds a slight emphasis that the event is still relatively fresh in memory.

What's the difference between "Not long ago" and "A long time ago"?

"Not long ago" refers to a recent past, implying the event is still relevant or remembered. "A long time ago" indicates a distant past, often with less relevance to the present.