a really long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a really long time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extended duration of time, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I haven't seen you in a really long time; we should catch up soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

For a really long time.

The New York Times - Food

"A really long time.

The New Yorker

"I'm not cool enough to wait a really long time".

The New York Times

I haven't been that nervous in a really long time.

The New York Times

"Then they hugged for a really long time".

The New York Times

"Barcelona feels like a really long time ago," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Fifteen years seems like a really long time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And it has deserved attention for a really long time.

The Guardian - Film

America was sick for a really long time.

The New Yorker

We've known each other a really long time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So it's been a really long time coming.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While acceptable in news or blogs, be careful using it in formal/academic writing; instead, opt for stronger or more descriptive alternatives such as "considerable duration".

Common error

While "a really long time" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid relying on it in formal reports or academic papers. Choose more precise or professional alternatives to maintain credibility and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a really long time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause by indicating duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across different contexts to denote an extended period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a really long time" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to describe an extended duration. As Ludwig AI has verified, its grammatical status is correct, and it's frequently found in news and media sources. While it is versatile, remember to adjust your language for more formal settings, opting for alternatives like "a considerable duration". Overall, "a really long time" is a useful phrase for expressing duration in everyday language, while being aware of the degree of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable duration

Emphasizes the length as noteworthy or significant.

quite some time

Slightly more understated than "a really long time".

an extended period

More formal and neutral in tone.

an extensive stretch of time

Emphasizes the continuous nature and breadth of the duration.

a substantial timeframe

Highlights the length and importance of the period.

a significant span

Stresses the importance or impact of the duration.

a lengthy interval

Focuses on the space between two points in time.

a protracted period

More formal, suggesting the duration was longer than expected or desired.

a good while

More colloquial and less precise.

for ages

Informal, exaggerating the duration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a really long time" to describe a duration that feels subjectively long. For example, "I haven't seen her in "a really long time"" or "The project took "a really long time" to complete".

What's a more formal way to say "a really long time"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a considerable duration", "an extended period", or "a significant span".

Which is correct: "a long time" or "a really long time"?

Both are grammatically correct, but ""a really long time"" emphasizes the length of the duration more strongly. "a long time" is a more neutral statement.

Can "a really long time" be used in all types of writing?

While ""a really long time"" is common in everyday conversation and informal writing, it might be too casual for formal academic or professional contexts. Choose more precise language depending on your audience and purpose.