a long outstanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long outstanding" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a mix-up of terms; "long-standing" or "outstanding" could be used separately, but together they do not form a coherent expression. Example: "The issue has been a long-standing problem in our community."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The State Department, meanwhile, said the US had settled a "long outstanding claim" by releasing to Tehran $400m in funds frozen since 1981, as well as an additional $1.3bn compromise in interest.

The Guardian

A long outstanding problem for abduction in logic programming has been on how minimality might be defined.

Artificial Intelligence

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Knighthoods and peerages are far more likely to go to a tax-avoiding rock star, a rich banker or a political time-server, rather than to an inspirational  charity worker, say, or an outstanding nurse, policeman or teacher with a long and outstanding contribution at the bottom of the public service ladder.

Independent

We hope that Alan Johnson's last job as education secretary gives impetus to these long outstanding areas of work and ensures that we see some real joined-up working between the two departments.

The Guardian

I don't really care about pork, and I don't know what pork bellies actually look like, but I know that in one of my investments I have pork bellies long outstanding.

Forbes

In wooing India, Mr Panetta dismissed as "unnecessary" the long outstanding and potentially prickly issues like inking the Logistics Support Agreement (LSA), the Communication Interoperability and Security Memorandum Agreement (CISMOA) and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation (BECA).

BBC

The long outstanding question of where the heliospheric (solar) modulation of galactic cosmic rays actually begins, in terms of spatial position, as well as at what high kinetic energy, can now be answered.

Advances in Space Research

"What this agreement seeks to do is to, in the spirit of reconciliation… is) try to resolve that long outstanding claim to these islands.

Vice

On the conclusion of the Peace of Oliwa, which adjusted the long outstanding differences between Poland and Sweden, Czarniecki was transferred to the eastern frontier where the war with Russia reignited.

Wikipedia

However, this effort should be pursued as long outstanding transactions, particularly staff transactions such as travel and other advances, and field transactions such as LRI, continue to build up and encumber accounts receivable and payable at the end of the biennium.

FAO

In contrast, 240 highly specialized interventions have taken place in the Department of Gynaecology at the University of Tuebingen since 1999 [ 41], offering a long- and outstanding experience.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that has existed or been unresolved for a significant period, prefer using "long-standing" or "outstanding" separately. "A long-standing problem" or "an outstanding achievement" are grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Common error

The phrase "a long outstanding" can sound awkward and is not a standard expression in English. Instead, choose either "long-standing" to emphasize duration or "outstanding" to highlight importance or unresolved status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long outstanding" attempts to describe something that is both prolonged and either prominent, unresolved, or excellent. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, this combination is grammatically questionable and not standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a long outstanding" appears in various contexts, particularly in news and scientific articles, Ludwig AI points out it's not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It attempts to combine the concepts of duration and prominence or unresolved status. For clearer and more effective communication, it is advisable to use alternatives like "long-standing" to emphasize duration, or simply "outstanding" to highlight significance. Avoiding the phrase "a long outstanding" will enhance the clarity and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long-standing

This is a more grammatically correct and widely used alternative, referring to something that has existed for a long time.

a long outstanding issue

This option focuses specifically on unresolved matters of considerable duration.

an outstanding

Focuses on prominence and excellence, but the 'long' aspect is removed.

a long-delayed

Emphasizes the lateness or postponement of something.

a long-unresolved

This highlights the lack of resolution over a significant period.

a protracted outstanding

Uses 'protracted' to stress the extended duration of the outstanding matter.

a lengthy outstanding

Replaces "long" with "lengthy" to emphasize the duration.

a long-pending

Indicates that something has been awaiting action for an extended period.

a perennially outstanding

The use of perennially emphasizes the continuous nature of the situation.

an enduring outstanding

This emphasizes the lasting or permanent quality of the outstanding aspect.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "a long outstanding"?

Consider using "long-standing" to emphasize duration, or simply "outstanding" to highlight importance. The combination "a long outstanding" is not standard English.

Is "a long outstanding" grammatically correct?

No, "a long outstanding" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The phrase is an unusual combination of "long" and "outstanding". It's better to use "long-standing" or just "outstanding".

How can I use "long-standing" in a sentence?

You can say, "This is a long-standing issue that needs to be addressed." This implies the issue has been present for a significant amount of time.

What does "outstanding" typically mean?

"Outstanding" usually means prominent, excellent, or not yet resolved. For example, "She delivered an outstanding performance", or "There are several outstanding payments that need to be made".