a long standing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long standing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate something which has been around for a long period of time. For example, "The school has a long standing tradition of excellence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He received a long standing ovation.

The New York Times

The audience gave him a long, standing ovation.

The New York Times - Arts

This confirms a long standing expectation.

Nuclear Physics B - Proceedings Supplements

Martin received a long standing ovation from fans.

Wikipedia

This science has a long standing history in developing countries.

BioMed Research International

Unfortunately, this is a long standing systematic problem.

BMC Oral Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

High leverage was a long-standing strategy.

The Economist

Exploding televisions were a long-standing hazard.

The Economist

This is a long-standing dilemma.

The Guardian

The two have a long-standing relationship.

The Guardian

It was a long-standing commitment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a long standing" to describe relationships, traditions, problems, or expectations that have existed for a significant duration. For example, "a long standing agreement" or "a long standing tradition".

Common error

Avoid using "a long standing" when you mean "long-lasting". "Long-lasting" describes something that will continue for a long time, while "a long standing" describes something that has existed for a long time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long standing" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun has existed or been in effect for an extended period. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in contexts like "a long standing expectation" or "a long standing systematic problem".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a long standing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates something has existed for a significant amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts, although "a longstanding" is often preferred in more formal writing. It's important not to confuse it with "a long-lasting", which refers to something expected to endure. The phrase appears frequently in news, science, and wiki sources, and its purpose is to emphasize the duration or history of a described noun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a longstanding

Removes the space between 'long' and 'standing' creating a single adjective.

a well-established

Highlights the solid and recognized nature of something that has existed for a while.

a long-established

Replaces "standing" with "established", emphasizing the act of being set up or founded a long time ago.

a historically significant

Focuses on the historical importance and duration of something.

a time-honored

Implies a tradition or custom that has been respected over a long period.

a long-term

Focuses on the duration or length of time something lasts.

an age-old

Suggests something is very old, possibly ancient.

a deep-rooted

Emphasizes that something is firmly established and difficult to change.

an enduring

Implies that something has lasted or will last for a long time.

a perpetual

Signifies something that lasts forever, or for a very long time.

FAQs

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

Use "a long standing" to describe something, such as a tradition, relationship, or issue, that has existed for a considerable time. For example, "The company has "a longstanding commitment" to sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "a long standing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a long-established", "a time-honored", or "a long-term".

Is it "a long standing" or "a longstanding"?

Both forms are correct, but "a longstanding" is more common, especially in formal writing. "A long standing" is often used when you want to emphasize both the length of time and the act of standing or existing.

What is the difference between "a long standing" and "a long-lasting"?

"A long standing" describes something that has already existed for a significant period, whereas "a long-lasting" describes something that is expected to continue for a long time. They aren't interchangeable.