a long process of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long process of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extended duration of time required to complete a particular task or series of events. Example: "The project involved a long process of planning, development, and testing before it could be launched."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Democracy is a long process of negotiation".

The New York Times

This was a long process of thought.

The New Yorker

"There's a long process of building trust here".

The New York Times

It went through a long process of revision.

The New York Times - Books

They represent the end of a long process of travel, research, argument and experimentation.

The New York Times

"It's a long process of change and we are under no illusions.

The Guardian

These results crown a long process of Labour decline in English local government.

The Guardian - Opinion

But a diagnosis is generally the result of a long process of informed guesswork.

The New York Times

Accessing counselling and therapy can be expensive or a long process of waiting.

The Guardian

"But it could be a long process of gradual change rather than a overhaul.

The Guardian

"So I began a long process of emailing and phoning easyJet to get a cancellation invoice.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific synonyms like "lengthy", "protracted", or "time-consuming" if they more accurately reflect the nature of the process you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "a long process of" as a filler phrase. Instead, provide details about the specific steps or stages involved in the process to make your writing more informative and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long process of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, describing the nature of a process. It highlights the extended duration and complexity involved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long process of" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe activities or procedures that require significant time and effort. As validated by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, and implies duration and complexity. While generally neutral in tone, consider using synonyms like "a lengthy process of" or "a protracted process of" for increased emphasis or specificity. Be mindful of vague language and aim to provide context about the process itself to enhance clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy process of

Replaces "long" with "lengthy", emphasizing the duration.

a protracted process of

Uses "protracted" to highlight the extended nature of the process.

a drawn-out process of

Adds the imagery of something being stretched or prolonged.

an extended period of

Shifts from "process" to "period", focusing on the time frame.

a time-consuming process of

Directly addresses the amount of time required.

a prolonged period of

Combines the idea of length and time.

a gradual process of

Emphasizes the slow and incremental nature of the process.

a slow process of

Highlights the lack of speed in the process.

a complex process of

Focuses on the intricate and involved nature of the process, often implying length.

a transformative journey of

Emphasizes the process as a life-changing experience. Semantic transformation is more significant.

FAQs

How can I use "a long process of" in a sentence?

You can use "a long process of" to describe something that takes a considerable amount of time and involves multiple steps. For example, "Becoming fluent in a new language is "a long process of" dedicated study and practice".

What are some alternatives to "a long process of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a lengthy process of", "a protracted process of", or "a time-consuming process of".

Is it redundant to say "a long and arduous process of"?

While not strictly redundant, adding "arduous" emphasizes the difficulty of the process. Use it when you want to highlight both the length and the challenging nature of the process.

What's the difference between "a long process of" and "a long period of"?

"A long process of" implies a series of actions or steps, while "a long period of" simply refers to an extended duration of time. "A long process of negotiation" suggests ongoing discussions, whereas "a long period of waiting" indicates simply waiting for an extended time.