been too long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'been too long' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to something that has taken a lot of time or has been absent or distant for a long time. Example: It's been too long since I've seen my best friend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's been too long.

The New York Times

It's just been too long.

The New Yorker

It had been too long.

The New York Times

It has been too long".

The New York Times

"It's been too long," she said.

The New York Times

It's already been too long.

The New York Times

Isserley, it's been too long.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Commutes are too long.

The Economist

It's too long".

The New Yorker

That is too long.

The New York Times

"They're too long".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been too long", ensure the context clearly indicates what event or situation is being referred to. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "been too long" when a simple past tense would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "It's been too long since I ate", consider "It's been a long time since I ate" or "I haven't eaten in a while."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been too long" primarily functions as an expression of duration, indicating that a certain amount of time has passed, often with an implied sense of longing or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been too long" is a versatile phrase used to express that a significant amount of time has passed. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across a variety of contexts, especially in news and media. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it's essential to ensure the tense is correct to avoid confusion. Related phrases like "it's been ages" or "it's long overdue" can offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. When using this phrase, clarity is key to avoid ambiguity. It's a reliable and widely accepted expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's been ages

This alternative is slightly more informal and emphasizes the duration.

it's long overdue

This phrase highlights that something should have happened sooner.

it feels like an eternity

This phrase uses hyperbole to emphasize the perceived length of time.

it feels like forever

Similar to 'an eternity', this expresses a very long perceived duration.

it's high time

This phrase suggests that something is finally happening after a long delay.

it has elapsed a considerable time

This phrase is a more formal way of saying "been too long", using more elaborate vocabulary.

the time has stretched out

This option emphasizes the experience of time passing slowly.

the wait has been extensive

This alternative focuses on the act of waiting and its extended duration.

it's been a while

A less intense way to express that time has passed since the last occurrence.

the period has been protracted

This option is a formal way to describe a long and extended period.

FAQs

How can I use "been too long" in a sentence?

You can use "been too long" to express that a certain period has elapsed since an event or situation. For example, "It's been too long since we last spoke", or "It has been too long since I visited my family".

What are some alternatives to saying "been too long"?

You can use alternatives like "it's been ages", "it's long overdue", or "it's been a while" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it's been too long time"?

While understandable, "it's been too long a time" is more grammatically correct. Alternatively, "it's been too long" is also correct and commonly used.

What is the difference between "been too long" and "so long"?

"Been too long" typically expresses a sentiment that an absence or delay has been excessive. "So long" is often an informal way to say goodbye, though it can also imply a lengthy duration depending on context.