a long race

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long race" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a race that covers a significant distance or duration, often in the context of sports or competitions. Example: "After months of training, I finally completed a long race that tested my endurance and stamina."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Man, what a long race.

The New York Times

It's a long race," said Mr. Goldstein.

The New York Times

"I thought, My God, what a long race!" he exclaimed.

The New York Times

This is going to be a long race.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But heat tends to equalize competitors in a long race, and Olympic marathons are notoriously unpredictable.

The New Yorker

"It's a long race and a lot of things can happen," said Red Bull's Vettell.

The New York Times

"We had a good opportunity, but this is a long race," said Atletico defender Filipe Luis.

Independent

Probably three or four beers, and I'll eat a dozen wings: it's a long race.

The New York Times

And in a long race, that was ultimately a fatal error.

The New Yorker

Both are building organizations prepared to engage in a long race.

The Washington Post

Dalton insisted that it was a long race and anything could happen.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long race" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the connection to endurance, persistence, and sustained effort.

Common error

Don't assume that "a long race" solely refers to physical distance. It often implies duration, complexity, and the need for strategic planning over time.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a long race" is as a noun phrase, functioning as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase commonly appears in various contexts, as exemplified by numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a long race" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe scenarios demanding endurance, strategy, and sustained effort. As Ludwig AI points out, it appears across various contexts from news and media to everyday conversations, though primarily in news and media. While grammatically straightforward, it's important to remember that "a long race" often implies more than just physical distance, encompassing time, complexity, and the need for careful pacing. By understanding its nuances and avoiding common misinterpretations, you can effectively use "a long race" to enrich your writing and convey deeper meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distance race

Specifically refers to a race covering a significant distance.

a marathon

Implies a race of standard marathon distance (26.2 miles) but commonly used metaphorically to describe any task that requires endurance.

a protracted competition

Emphasizes the extended duration and competitive nature of the event.

an endurance challenge

Highlights the test of stamina and resilience involved.

a drawn-out contest

Focuses on the length and potentially tedious nature of the competition.

a long haul

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the difficulty and length of an undertaking.

a lengthy campaign

Suitable when referring to political or strategic endeavors.

an extended endeavor

Highlights the expansive nature of the undertaking.

a sustained effort

Emphasizes continuous and prolonged exertion.

a long-term project

Shifts the focus to projects spanning significant time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a long race" to describe a literal race that covers a significant distance, or metaphorically to refer to any endeavor that requires sustained effort over time. For example, "The political campaign is "a long race", requiring strategic planning and endurance."

What's the difference between "a long race" and "a sprint"?

"A long race" implies endurance and pacing, whereas "a sprint" focuses on immediate, maximum effort over a short period. "A long race" is about sustainability; "a sprint" is about speed.

What can I say instead of "a long race" when describing a career?

Depending on the context, you could use "a long career", "a lengthy career", or "an enduring career" to emphasize the duration and sustained effort.

Is it better to start fast or slow in "a long race"?

Generally, it's advisable to start at a sustainable pace in "a long race" to conserve energy and avoid burning out too quickly. Strategic pacing is key to success.