a very long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very long time" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: I haven't seen my childhood friend in a very long time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A very long time.

The New York Times

That's a very long time".

The New York Times

A very long time indeed.

The New Yorker

He waited for a very long time.

The New Yorker

They last for a very long time.

The New York Times

Production took a very long time.

The New York Times

"It's a very long time now.

The New York Times

"That's waiting a very long time".

The New York Times

The process takes a very long time.

The New York Times - Arts

Not for a very long time".

The New York Times

"It's been a very long time".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very long time", consider the context to ensure the intensity of the duration is appropriate. If you need to emphasize the duration even more, consider adding qualifiers such as "an extremely long time" or "an extraordinarily long time".

Common error

While grammatically sound, repeatedly using "a very long time" can make your writing monotonous. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "a considerable duration" or "an extended period" for greater stylistic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very long time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses by indicating duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

9%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very long time" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile expression used to emphasize duration. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, consider varying your language to avoid overuse, and remember to tailor the intensity of the duration to fit your specific context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for a wide range of communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable duration

Replaces "very long time" with synonyms that emphasizes the length of the period.

a significant length of time

Replaces "very" with "significant" to underscore the duration's importance.

an extended period

Substitutes "very long time" with words highlighting the duration's stretch.

over an extensive timeframe

Suggests a span of time that is broad and all-encompassing.

a protracted interval

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey the idea of a lengthy time span.

during a drawn-out period

Emphasizes the lingering quality of the time in question.

quite a while

Offers a more casual way to express a significant duration.

through a substantial era

Indicates a period of time that is historically or materially significant.

for ages

Employs an idiomatic expression to suggest that a long time has passed.

across a seemingly endless stretch

Conveys that the time feels exceptionally long, perhaps subjectively so.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very long time" to describe the duration of an event, for example: "I haven't seen my family in "a very long time"." or "The project took "a very long time" to complete."

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

Some alternatives include "a considerable duration", "an extended period", or "for ages" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a very long time ago"?

Yes, "a very long time ago" is a perfectly correct and common way to indicate something happened far in the past.

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

"A long time" simply indicates a significant duration, while ""a very long time"" emphasizes that the duration was exceptionally long.