continue for a long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue for a long time" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action or event that persists or carries on for a significant period of time. Example: The effects of climate change will continue for a long time if we do not take immediate action to reduce our carbon footprint.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We expect our uprising to continue for a long time".

The New York Times

And that is bound to continue for a long time.

The New York Times

May the exposures and oustings continue for a long time to come!

Harvard University

But more than 4 in 10 say the standoff will continue for a long time.

The New York Times

Underreporting of babesiosis is expected to continue for a long time.

The New York Times

Public anger at the greed and stupidity in this industry will continue for a long time.

The Guardian

"If the west could rediscover spiritual firmness, the struggle could continue for a long time".

The Guardian

Its domination of the city seemed set to continue for a long time to come.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's enjoyed a great ride, and it may continue for a long time yet.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm viewing this as the beginning of something that will continue for a long time.

The Guardian - Tech

She added, "There are so many artists it's a series that can continue for a long time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "continue for a long time", ensure the context clearly establishes what is continuing and why the duration is significant. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "continue for a long time" when a shorter period is more appropriate. Overstating the duration can weaken your argument or sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue for a long time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying the duration of the action. It indicates how long an action or state is expected to last. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue for a long time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes events or situations expected to last for an extended period. According to Ludwig, it is widely employed in various contexts, including news, science, and academia, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While versatile, writers should be mindful of accurately portraying duration and avoid overstatements. Alternatives like "last for an extended period" and "persist for a considerable duration" offer nuanced ways to convey prolonged continuation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last for an extended period

Focuses on the duration of something, indicating a considerable amount of time.

persist for a considerable duration

Emphasizes the persistence or continuation of something over a notable length of time.

endure for a prolonged timeframe

Highlights the ability of something to withstand and continue existing through a lengthy period.

carry on for a substantial stretch

Indicates the ongoing nature of an activity or situation across a significant period.

go on for an extended spell

Similar to carrying on, this phrase notes the continuation of something for a notable period.

be ongoing for a drawn-out interval

Highlights the drawn-out or protracted nature of something that continues.

stretch out over a lengthy phase

Focuses on the expansion of something across a considerable period or phase.

remain for a protracted duration

Highlights the state of remaining in existence or effect for a long time.

hold out for a considerable time

Emphasizes the ability to resist change or remain viable during a long period.

prevail for an extended term

Highlights the dominant or effective presence of something throughout a significant duration.

FAQs

How can I use "continue for a long time" in a sentence?

You can use "continue for a long time" to describe events, processes, or states that are expected to last for a significant duration. For example: "The debate about climate change will "continue for a long time"."

What are some alternatives to "continue for a long time"?

Alternatives include "last for an extended period", "persist for a considerable duration", or "endure for a prolonged timeframe", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "persist for a long duration" than "continue for a long time"?

Yes, "persist for a long duration" generally sounds more formal than "continue for a long time". The choice depends on the context and your desired level of formality.

Can I use "continue for a long time" to describe both positive and negative situations?

Yes, the phrase "continue for a long time" is neutral and can be used in both positive and negative contexts. For instance, "The economic growth is expected to "continue for a long time"" (positive) or "The suffering of refugees will "continue for a long time" if no aid arrives" (negative).