a far longer

USAGE SUMMARY

"a far longer" is a perfectly grammatically correct phrase to use in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as, "It now takes a far longer time to get from point A to point B than it did a few years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Customers pass a far longer gantlet of open palms.

The New York Times

Mr. Rubio's ideas are for a far longer and less direct pathway than Democrats would like.

The New York Times

It is the result of a far longer negotiation between human culture and physical forces.

The New York Times

Syria has also been mired in a far longer and bloodier civil war.

The New York Times

At City, Mancini can argue that he should only be judged over a far longer period.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet the lessons the festival may hold for wider cinema could have a far longer legacy.

The Guardian - Film

Computer Space has had a far longer run in art than in commerce.

The New York Times - Tech

You can swap the first rise for a far longer stint in the fridge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The author's most ambitious argument, however, is one that would need a far longer and more in-depth analysis.

The Guardian - Books

It was, he said, a far longer effort than he would usually make, hence his prostration afterwards.

The Guardian - Sport

Torre is entering his ninth season with the Yankees, a far longer tenure than he said he expected to serve.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a far longer" to emphasize a significant difference in duration, distance, or extent when comparing two things. It adds weight and highlights the disparity more effectively than simply saying "longer".

Common error

Avoid using "a far longer" when the difference is already obvious or minimal. Overusing it can dilute its impact. Choose a simpler phrasing like "longer" if the difference isn't substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a far longer" functions as a descriptive modifier, specifically intensifying the comparative adjective "longer". It serves to highlight a significant difference in duration, length, or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a far longer" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote a significantly increased duration or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct. Its primary function is to emphasize a notable difference, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in simple comparisons where the difference is minimal. Alternatives like "significantly longer" or "considerably longer" can offer nuanced variations in emphasis. Its high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources underscore its reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly more extended

Emphasizes the increased length or duration to a notable degree, highlighting the significance of the difference.

considerably prolonged

Focuses on the action of extending the duration and indicates a substantial increase in length.

substantially greater duration

Highlights the magnitude of the duration, suggesting a large difference in length.

appreciably more lengthy

Indicates that the increase in length is noticeable and significant.

markedly more sustained

Focuses on the continuity and duration of something, emphasizing a clear and noticeable difference.

noticeably expanded timeframe

Specifically refers to a period of time that has been significantly enlarged.

considerably greater span

Highlights the extent or range covered, indicating a substantial increase in the measured distance or period.

substantially increased period

Focuses on the duration, emphasizing the notable increase in the length of time.

significantly amplified term

Refers to an extended duration or limit, emphasizing the significant increase in its length.

markedly extended phase

Describes a particular stage or segment that has been noticeably prolonged.

FAQs

How can I use "a far longer" in a sentence?

You can use "a far longer" to emphasize a considerable difference in duration, such as, "The development process took "a far longer" time than initially anticipated." or "This model boasts "a far longer" lifespan compared to its predecessor."

What are some alternatives to "a far longer"?

Alternatives include "significantly longer", "considerably longer", or "substantially longer" depending on the specific context. These alternatives convey a similar meaning while varying the emphasis and tone.

Is "a far longer" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a far longer" is grammatically correct. The phrase uses "far" as an intensifier to emphasize the comparative adjective "longer", indicating a significant difference in length or duration.

How does "a far longer" compare to "much longer"?

"A far longer" and "much longer" both indicate a greater duration, but "a far longer" suggests a more substantial difference. "Much longer" is generally less emphatic and can be used for more minor differences. Choose ""a far longer"" when emphasizing a really big gap.