a comparatively long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comparatively long time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the duration of time to another period, indicating that it is longer in relation to something else. Example: "It took a comparatively long time to complete the project compared to our previous ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Our results suggest that the acetylated APTS-coated Fe3O4 NPs can be retained in the tumor site for a comparatively long time, allowing effective MR imaging of tumors.

Nanoscale Research Letters

If a stock does not trade a lot, says Furbush, the marketmaker needs a better spread to compensate him for holding the shares in inventory for a comparatively long time.

Forbes

Not only is it developing technology and programming that would be considered cutting edge even in the U.S., but it also stands out among the many of U.K. companies currently rushing to embrace new media because it has been doing it for a comparatively long time.

Forbes

Cooking can sometimes take a comparatively long time.

Wikipedia

It has been evolving to lower this signal ever since, and is currently at a level closer to Influenza B, a virus in equilibrium with the human population over a comparatively long time frame.

Plosone

When the bags were stored at 4°C, the stability of the FeNO levels was prolonged for a comparatively long time.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Cacioppo et al. [ 35] suggest that feeling lonely is more damaging to a person's health than actually spending comparatively long time alone.

BMC Public Health

For many invertebrates, behaviour involves minimal movement carried out over comparatively long time periods and at small spatial scales.

BMC Ecology

External cooling is complicated, especially in adipose patients because of the comparatively long time for cooling with increased use of muscle relaxants and anaesthetics.

Critical Care

The main finding in this study of the comparatively long time series is that the overall mean birth weight has been stable over the years in spite of a rather drastic economic and technological development.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

While some of these molecules can act as classical transmitters, neuromodulators are distinguished by their ability to modulate the physiological properties of neurons on comparatively long time scales [ 4].

Biology of Sex Differences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a comparatively long time", ensure you provide a clear point of comparison to give context to the duration you're describing. Without a reference point, the phrase can be vague.

Common error

Avoid using "a comparatively long time" too frequently in your writing without varying your phrasing. Redundancy can weaken your message. Instead, try using more specific terms or "a relatively extended period" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comparatively long time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the duration of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid phrase in English, offering a measured assessment of duration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a comparatively long time" is a versatile phrase used to describe an extended duration in relation to a reference point. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, including science and news. To enhance clarity, always ensure you offer a clear comparison when employing this phrase. Consider using alternatives such as ""a relatively extended period"" to avoid redundancy. While generally neutral in tone, its frequent appearance in scientific writing may lend it a slightly professional air. The phrase is most common in Scientific and News & Media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comparatively greater duration

Focuses on the comparative aspect of the length, using "greater duration" to directly emphasize the difference in length.

a relatively extended period

Replaces "comparatively long" with "relatively extended", maintaining a similar level of formality but altering the specific wording.

a significantly lengthy duration

Emphasizes the length of time more strongly than the original phrase, using "significantly" and "lengthy".

a notably prolonged interval

Uses more formal vocabulary like "notably" and "prolonged" to convey a similar meaning with increased emphasis on the extension.

a considerably extensive timeframe

Replaces "long time" with "extensive timeframe", offering a more specific and somewhat more formal alternative.

a remarkably durable spell

Uses "durable spell" to highlight the lasting nature of the time period, which could imply resilience or persistence.

a substantially protracted phase

Employs stronger vocabulary such as "substantially" and "protracted" to indicate a significant lengthening of the phase.

a distinctly elongated stretch

Focuses on the stretching or extending aspect of the time period using "elongated", adding a visual dimension.

a surprisingly sustained moment

Adds an element of surprise regarding the length of the time, using "surprisingly sustained".

a fairly good while

A more informal alternative that still conveys the idea of a significant amount of time.

FAQs

How can I use "a comparatively long time" in a sentence?

Use "a comparatively long time" to indicate that something takes longer than something else you are comparing it to. For example, "The recovery process took "a comparatively long time" compared to other similar procedures."

What's the difference between "a comparatively long time" and "a relatively long time"?

Both phrases indicate something takes longer than expected or usual. "Comparatively" suggests a direct comparison, while "relatively" implies a general sense. Therefore, "a relatively long time" could be correct, although if there is another specific example for comparison "a comparatively long time" could be preferable.

What can I say instead of "a comparatively long time"?

You can use alternatives like ""a relatively extended period"", "a significantly lengthy duration", or "a notably prolonged interval" depending on the context.

Is "a comparatively long time" formal or informal?

The phrase "a comparatively long time" falls in a neutral register and is appropriate for most contexts, but you can a significantly lengthy duration when more formality is needed.