a long time out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long time out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an extended period of absence or a break from an activity or situation. Example: "After a long time out from the game, he finally returned to the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Seven months is a long time out," said Brownlee, who had already qualified for London 2012.

BBC

"If you're an oil company, the view is your opportunities in Iraq will be there, but it will be a long time out," Halliburton CEO David Lesar David Lesar said during an oil and power investor conference in New York.

Forbes

"We had been a long time out of the European league," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Newman took a long time out of acting and away from conventional Hollywood.

The Guardian - Film

"It's been a long time out of the spotlight," Pillemer tells me before kick off.

The Guardian - Sport

They spent a long time out in the blizzard, playing in their yard.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The football game went into a long time-out.

The New Yorker

Which is a long time-out for a relationship that ended badly, senselessly, with confusion and accusations of cheating.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When Brett got home, I gave myself a long time-out, slugging a glass of wine, and staring at the walls of my bedroom.

Huffington Post

I could go on (for a long time) laying out alternative scenarios.

The New Yorker

Scheherazade spent a long time stretched out on his bed that day.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long time out", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is taking a break from. For example, specify "a long time out of the game" or "a long time out of the workforce".

Common error

Avoid using "a long time out" without specifying the context. For example, saying "He had a long time out" is less effective than saying "He had a long time out due to injury".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long time out" primarily functions as a noun phrase or adverbial phrase, describing an extended period of absence or inactivity. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a long time out" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that denotes an extended period of absence or inactivity. As indicated by Ludwig, it is versatile and appears primarily in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, clarity is key; specifying the context from which the subject is taking a break improves understanding. Related phrases include "extended absence" and "lengthy hiatus". While generally neutral in register, its informality compared to scientific writing makes it suitable for a range of discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended absence

Focuses on the state of being away for a prolonged duration.

lengthy hiatus

Emphasizes a break or pause, often in a professional or creative context.

prolonged break

Highlights the continuous nature of the interruption.

extended leave

Implies an authorized or approved period of absence, typically from work or duty.

significant downtime

Highlights a period of inactivity or reduced productivity.

considerable layoff

Refers to a substantial period of unemployment or temporary suspension from work.

substantial recess

Indicates a noteworthy interruption or pause in an activity.

long-term sabbatical

Implies an extended period of leave, often for study or travel.

protracted intermission

Describes a lengthy interval or break, often in a performance or event.

extended withdrawal

Emphasizes the act of removing oneself from a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a long time out" in a sentence?

You can use "a long time out" to describe an extended absence from an activity or situation. For example: "After "a long time out with" his knee injury, he's finally back on the field".

What are some alternatives to "a long time out"?

Alternatives include "extended absence", "lengthy hiatus", or "prolonged break" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a long time out of work"?

Yes, "a long time out of work" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe an extended period of unemployment or absence from the workforce.

What's the difference between "a long time out" and "a long break"?

"A long time out" often implies a forced or involuntary absence, while "a long break" suggests a voluntary pause or vacation. However, they can often be used interchangeably depending on context.