a long month

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long month" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a period of time (usually 30 days) that feels drawn out or excessively long. Here is an example: "After a series of delays and setbacks, the project finally finished after a long month of hard work and long hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It's going to be a long month.

The Guardian - Business

It has already been a long month.

The New York Times - Sports

— It's been a long month, to say the least.

The New York Times

It's been a long day, and a long month.

The New Yorker

With a long month ahead, will Roma be next?

The Guardian - Opinion

It's been a long month and a half.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Fortunately, Mr Barroso knows the meaning of a long march.

The Economist

Granderson is no stranger to a long October.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's the first step in a long march".

The New York Times

It's the first step in a long march".

The New York Times

It's been a long October for President Barack Obama.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a long month" when you want to convey that a period of time felt subjectively longer or more difficult than its actual duration. This can be due to stress, challenges, or simply a feeling that time is passing slowly.

Common error

Avoid using "a long month" to simply state the number of days in a month. The phrase carries an emotional weight and is best used when describing a subjective experience of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long month" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "month". It describes the characteristics of the month, specifically its perceived duration. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a long month" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a month that felt longer or more difficult than usual. As indicated by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, to convey a subjective experience of time. When writing, remember that it carries an emotional weight, avoid confusing it with objective statements of time, and consider using alternative phrases like "an extended month" or "a grueling month" to better suit your intended meaning. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its consistent usage across reputable sources, reinforcing its validity as an effective and expressive phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extended month

Emphasizes the duration being longer than usual.

a grueling month

Highlights the demanding and exhausting nature of the month.

a difficult month

Focuses on the challenges and hardships experienced during the month.

a protracted month

Stresses the extended duration, often implying unwanted length.

a never-ending month

Exaggerates the perceived length, suggesting it feels like it will never end.

a tiresome month

Indicates that the month was wearying and caused fatigue.

a trying month

Emphasizes the testing and stressful nature of the month.

a slow-moving month

Focuses on the perceived pace of time, suggesting it felt like it dragged on.

a month of hardship

Shifts focus to the difficulties experienced during the month.

a month filled with challenges

Highlights the abundance of challenges faced throughout the month.

FAQs

How can I use "a long month" in a sentence?

You can use "a long month" to describe a period that felt longer than usual due to difficulties or challenges, as in, "It's been "a long month" dealing with these constant setbacks".

What does "a long month" typically imply?

"A long month" typically implies that the speaker or writer experienced the month as being more challenging, stressful, or tedious than usual. It's subjective and conveys a sense of drawn-out time.

Are there alternative ways to express "a long month"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "an extended month", "a grueling month", or "a difficult month", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "a long month" a formal or informal expression?

"A long month" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language is expected.