a long broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long broken" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something that has been broken for a long time, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The fence was a long broken structure that needed immediate repair."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a long break.

The Guardian - Sport

So the narrative has a long break.

The New York Times - Arts

So, they took a long break.

The New York Times

After a long break, it's understandable that material needs dusting down.

Independent

He could never afford to get stopped – that meant a long break and no money".

Independent

Adams took a long break from large-scale opera after he finished "Klinghoffer".

The New Yorker

Exhausted from lugging the carryall, YoungThing takes a long break, doubtful that he is on course.

The New Yorker

He only leaves town when there' a long break between rigging assignments.

The New Yorker

He published a few chapters in 1883, then there was a long break.

The Guardian

He thought the five days he took off at Christmas represented a long break.

The Guardian

Recently, after a long break, I read another carny book: Nightmare Alley by William Lindsay Gresham.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to describe something broken for a long duration, prioritize clear and grammatically correct phrases like "broken for a long time" or "long since broken" over the awkward construction "a long broken".

Common error

Avoid using "broken" directly after "long" as if it were a simple adjective. Instead, opt for constructions that clearly indicate the duration of the broken state. For instance, say "a vase broken for a long time" instead of "a long broken vase".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long broken" attempts to function as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is grammatically incorrect. The intended meaning is to convey that something has been in a broken state for an extended period.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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News & Media

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a long broken" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in both formal and informal contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it's more appropriate to use alternatives like "broken for a long time" or "long since broken" to clearly and accurately convey the intended meaning. The phrase attempts to describe something that has been in a broken state for a significant duration, but its non-standard structure hinders effective communication. Therefore, opting for grammatically sound alternatives enhances clarity and professionalism in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broken for a long time

More explicit and grammatically sound.

long since broken

Emphasizes the duration since the breakage.

long-broken

Hyphenated form to emphasize its state.

a sustained break

Suggests a break that continues for a considerable time.

a prolonged break

Focuses on the duration of an interruption.

a considerable break

Highlights the significance of the duration.

a lengthy interruption

Highlights the duration of an interruption.

a substantial interruption

Focuses on the notable duration of the interruption.

a long hiatus

Emphasizes an extended pause or gap.

a lengthy pause

Highlights a longer duration of a pause or cessation.

FAQs

Is "a long broken" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "a long broken" is not grammatically correct. It's better to use phrases like "broken for a long time" or "long since broken".

What is a better way to say "a long broken"?

Instead of "a long broken", consider using phrases such as "broken for a long time" or "long since broken".

When should I use "broken for a long time" instead of "a long broken"?

Always use "broken for a long time" because "a long broken" is grammatically incorrect. "Broken for a long time" clearly and correctly conveys that something has been broken for an extended duration.

Can "a long broken" ever be considered acceptable in informal speech?

While language evolves, "a long broken" remains grammatically awkward and is not generally considered acceptable even in informal speech. Opt for clearer alternatives like "broken for a long time" to avoid confusion.