are long gone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are long gone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has disappeared or is no longer present, often referring to a past time or situation. Example: "The days of carefree childhood are long gone, replaced by the responsibilities of adulthood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Those hopes are long gone.

The New York Times

Those days are long gone.

The New York Times

The ghosts are long gone now.

The New York Times - Travel

Their friends and families are long gone.

The New Yorker

The reused barges, however, are long gone.

The Economist

Even its funeral homes are long gone.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's long gone.

The New York Times

Feudalism is long gone.

The Economist

Pumba is long gone.

The New York Times

But Guardiola is long gone.

Independent

That time is long gone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are long gone", consider the emotional impact. It can evoke nostalgia, regret, or a sense of progress, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "are long gone" to describe something that is only temporarily absent or has a high likelihood of returning. The phrase implies a permanent state of disappearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are long gone" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a subject has ceased to exist or is no longer relevant. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows numerous examples where the phrase describes past situations or objects that have disappeared.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are long gone" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to convey that something belongs to the past and is no longer relevant. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media contexts, and while it can be used in various registers, it maintains a neutral tone. When writing, this phrase effectively adds a sense of finality and historical distance. Be cautious not to misuse it for temporary absences, as it strongly implies permanence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have disappeared

Emphasizes the disappearance or vanishing of something.

no longer exist

Directly states that something does not exist anymore.

are a thing of the past

Highlights that something belongs to a previous time and is not current.

have faded away

Suggests a gradual disappearance or decline.

are no more

A more formal or emphatic way of saying something no longer exists.

have ceased to be

A very formal way of expressing that something no longer exists.

are extinct

Indicates something has completely died out or disappeared, often used for species or practices.

are bygone

Suggests something from a time long past.

are outmoded

Suggests something is no longer in fashion or use.

are obsolete

Indicates something is outdated and no longer used because something newer exists.

FAQs

How can I use "are long gone" in a sentence?

You can use "are long gone" to indicate that something belongs to the past and is no longer present or relevant. For example, "The days of sending letters by mail "are long gone"; now everyone uses email".

What phrases are similar to "are long gone"?

Similar phrases include "have disappeared", "no longer exist", and "are a thing of the past". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "are long gone" formal or informal?

"Are long gone" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "have ceased to exist" might be preferred in academic or highly professional settings.

What's the difference between "are long gone" and "are gone"?

"Are gone" simply means something is absent. "Are long gone" emphasizes that something is not only absent but also belongs to a distant past and is unlikely to return.