a substantially long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantially long time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a duration that is significantly lengthy, often in contexts discussing timeframes or experiences. Example: "After waiting for a substantially long time, I finally received a response to my application."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The deceleration of the rate may be caused by the coexistence of certain pathogens for a substantially long time during HLA evolution.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When the number of earthquakes is very large, the computing takes substantially long time due to the double sum in the first term of the log likelihood (8).

Earth, Planets and Space

However, the substantially long times that these children are kept on caseloads is problematic in that there is currently scarce evidence about the benefits of the occupational therapy interventions for them [ 45].

BMC Health Services Research

Instead, they go through a biogeochemical cycle with substantially long residence times in the various spheres of the environment.

Applied Water Science

Because expression patterns appear to diverge substantially over long time periods, such as since the primate-rodent (Euarchontoglires) common ancestor [ 15, 16], it is necessary to address this question using many related genes that arose only in very recent times.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

A year's a long time.

The New Yorker

A hell of a long time.

The New Yorker

A lifetime is a long time.

The New Yorker

Learning a language takes a long time.

WikiHow

Technically and ideally, the techniques developed by Tang et al. and Scott et al. were able to deliver drugs to a slice for a relatively long time, but they substantially relied on the stability of two competing pump flows and the pure diffusion of chemicals.

Analytical Chemistry

One of the primary reasons for this is that mines that have been in the ground for a long time may sink substantially.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantially long time", consider the context to ensure the formal tone is appropriate. In more casual settings, alternatives like "a long while" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantially long time" in casual conversations or informal writing. Overly formal language can sound unnatural or pretentious in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier describing the duration of an event or action. It emphasizes that the length of time is significant or considerable, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantially long time" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant duration. Ludwig indicates that it is appropriate for formal contexts, particularly in scientific and academic writing. While effective for emphasizing the length of time, it may sound overly formal in casual settings where alternatives such as "a good while" or "quite some time" might be more suitable. The phrase's frequency is uncommon, and it often appears in Science, News & Media, and Wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable duration

Replaces "substantially long time" with synonyms for emphasis on the duration's length.

an extended period

Focuses on the period being prolonged or lengthened.

a significant length of time

Emphasizes the importance or notable aspect of the duration.

quite some time

A more casual and common way to express the idea of a long duration.

an appreciable amount of time

Highlights that the time is noticeable or measurable to a significant degree.

a remarkably long period

Adds emphasis on the unusual or noteworthy aspect of the duration.

a good while

Offers a more informal and less precise way of expressing a long duration.

an extensive timeframe

Focuses on the boundaries of the time period being wide or comprehensive.

a very long spell

Uses "spell" to denote a continuous period, making it sound slightly more descriptive.

a protracted interval

Implies a time span that is drawn out or lengthened, possibly excessively.

FAQs

What does "a substantially long time" mean?

The phrase "a substantially long time" means a duration that is considerably or significantly lengthy. It implies that the period in question is notably extended.

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

You can use "a substantially long time" to describe a process, event, or condition that lasts for a significant duration. For example, "The research project took "a substantially long time" to complete because of unforeseen complications."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a considerable duration", "an extended period", or "a significant length of time". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "a substantially long time" formal or informal?

The phrase "a substantially long time" leans towards the formal side. While grammatically correct, it may sound somewhat stilted in casual conversation. Consider using "a good while" or "quite some time" in more relaxed settings.