a longtime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a longtime" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form is "a long time," which is used to refer to an extended duration. Example: "I haven't seen you in a long time; how have you been?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vernon was a longtime admirer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Was that a longtime goal?

The New York Times

Drake's been a longtime admirer.

The New York Times

Dinkins, and a longtime nonprofit executive.

The New York Times

He was a longtime Fullerton resident.

The New York Times - Arts

He was later a longtime scout.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a longtime goal of mine.

The New York Times

Barzani, a longtime guerrilla fighter, was alarmed.

The New Yorker

— Gardner Dickinson, a longtime American tour pro.

The New York Times

Ann Lewis, a longtime adviser, echoed that.

The New York Times

Cummings is a longtime Vicco surname.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a long time" instead of "a longtime" to adhere to standard English grammar. While the single-word form is frequently encountered, it's considered grammatically incorrect.

Common error

Resist the urge to combine "a long time" into "a longtime". Always maintain the separation to ensure grammatical correctness. This is especially important in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to function as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate duration or prolonged association. However, as Ludwig AI notes, the one-word form is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "a longtime" is frequently encountered, Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a long time", and alternatives like "a long-standing" or "an enduring" may also be suitable depending on the specific context. Despite its prevalence, especially in news and media, prioritizing grammatical accuracy by using the two-word form or a synonym is always recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long time

Correct grammatical form indicating a significant duration.

a long-standing

Emphasizes duration and establishment over a period.

a longtime acquaintance

Specifies the nature of the relationship, focusing on its length.

an enduring

Focuses on the quality of lasting or surviving over time.

an established

Focuses on the creation and maintenance of something over time.

a protracted

Highlights the extended length of a process or situation.

a seasoned

Suggests maturity and expertise gained through prolonged involvement.

a veteran

Implies extensive experience in a particular field or activity.

a perennial

Used to describe something that recurs or lasts for an indefinitely long time.

a chronic

Often used for negative or persistent situations or behaviors.

FAQs

Which is correct, "a longtime" or "a long time"?

The grammatically correct form is "a long time", which uses two words. Although commonly used, "a longtime" is considered incorrect in standard written English.

What does "a longtime" mean?

While grammatically incorrect, "a longtime" is generally understood to mean "for a long period of time" or "having been associated with something for a considerable duration". It's best to use the correct phrase, "a long time", instead.

Can I use "a longtime" in informal writing?

While its usage is widespread and may be acceptable in very informal contexts, it is recommended to avoid "a longtime" even in informal writing. Opt for "a long time" or other alternatives for clarity and correctness.

What are some alternatives to using "a longtime"?

Instead of "a longtime", consider using phrases like "a long-standing", "an enduring", or simply "a long time" depending on the intended meaning and context. These provide grammatically sound options for expressing duration.