centuries long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "centuries long" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a time frame that is particularly long. For example, "The tradition of telling stories around the campfire has been centuries long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"These are beliefs and practices that go back for centuries, long before politics came into play.

The New York Times

Over the centuries, long before the coming of the Taliban, the two figures were damaged and defaced.

The Guardian

The question of modern human origins has been debated for centuries, long predating paleoanthropology as a scientific discipline.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

LONDON -- Crimea has for centuries long had an association with Russia.

Huffington Post

Here in Asakusa, they have a long-standing - as in centuries long - fan base.

Huffington Post

" The berries have been thriving for centuries, long before Wyman's began.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Most odd, when they claim it's what finally won them their centuries- long war against God.

The New York Times - Books

There is a centuries-long tradition in Russia of xenophobia.

The New Yorker

The landscape is scored with the centuries-long history of conflict between two nations.

Independent

It's only a feature, though, of a centuries-long historical transformation: the secularization of mystery.

The New Yorker

Describes the centuries-long rivalry between French-cuisine advocates and Italian-cuisine advocates.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "centuries long" to emphasize the extensive duration of a phenomenon, tradition, or conflict. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting historical significance or the enduring nature of something.

Common error

Do not use "centuries long" when referring to durations shorter than two centuries. Using the phrase for shorter periods dilutes its impact and can be perceived as an exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "centuries long" functions as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun, indicating the duration or extent of something over a period of multiple centuries. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "centuries long" is a grammatically correct and useful adjective phrase that effectively describes something that has existed for many centuries. Ludwig AI validates this and provides numerous examples. It is most frequently found in News & Media, encyclopedias and Science sources. While it's not the most common phrase, it adds a significant emphasis on the historical duration. When employing this phrase, make sure the context genuinely spans multiple centuries to maintain accuracy and impact. Other alternatives to express extended durations include "spanning centuries" or "long-standing", yet "centuries long" offers a precise indication of time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spanning centuries

Focuses on the action of extending across centuries, rather than the duration itself.

over many centuries

Emphasizes the multitude of centuries involved.

lasting for centuries

Highlights the endurance and continuation throughout the centuries.

age-old

Implies extreme age, though not explicitly linked to centuries.

time-honored

Focuses on traditions or practices that have been respected over a long time; less direct about precise duration.

long-standing

A more general term for something that has existed for a considerable period; less specific than "centuries long".

for generations

Emphasizes the passing of time through family lineages.

through the ages

A more poetic way to express something existing across a long span of time.

historic

Highlights the significance of something existing across history; less focused on the duration.

perennial

Suggests something that recurs or persists indefinitely; less specific than "centuries long".

FAQs

How can I use "centuries long" in a sentence?

You can use "centuries long" to describe traditions, conflicts, or processes that have extended over multiple centuries. For instance, "The "centuries long tradition" of storytelling has shaped our culture" or "The "centuries long conflict" left deep scars on the region".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "centuries long"?

Alternatives include "spanning centuries", "over many centuries", "lasting for centuries", or "age-old", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it more appropriate to say "centuries long" or "centuries-long"?

"Centuries long" and "centuries-long" are both acceptable. "Centuries-long" is hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., a centuries-long tradition). "Centuries long" is used when "long" functions as an adjective following "centuries" (e.g., the tradition is centuries long).

What distinguishes "centuries long" from "long-standing"?

"Centuries long" specifically denotes a duration of multiple centuries, whereas "long-standing" simply indicates that something has existed for a considerable period of time, without specifying the exact duration. Therefore, "centuries long" provides a more precise indication of time.