far longer than

USAGE SUMMARY

'far longer than' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two things in terms of duration. For example, "We had to wait for the bus far longer than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their symptoms lingered far longer than his.

The New York Times

Both wars lasted far longer than predicted.

The New York Times

Collections dragged out far longer than anticipated.

The New York Times

You waited without complaining far longer than I would have.

The New York Times

Jo Malone's creations last far longer than you would imagine.

Independent

It has taken far longer than expected to turn around.

The Economist

It has continued far longer than almost anyone expected.

The Economist

"Some of them have been here far longer than me.

The New York Times

Ian Copestake again: "I'm here far longer than that, Evan.

The Guardian - Sport

Women are already menstruating for far longer than ever before.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And that process has taken far longer than anyone expected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far longer than" to emphasize a significant difference in duration when comparing two events or periods. This can add impact to your writing, particularly when highlighting unexpected or noteworthy timeframes.

Common error

Avoid using "far longer than" when a simple "longer than" will suffice. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing. Reserve "far longer than" for situations where the difference in duration is truly substantial and warrants emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far longer than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to emphasize a notable difference in the duration of two events or periods. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide applicability in diverse contexts, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far longer than" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative phrase to emphasize a significant difference in duration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news and media, its neutral register allows for versatile application. When writing, use it judiciously to highlight substantial differences in time and avoid overuse in simple comparisons. Alternatives like "markedly longer than" or "substantially longer than" can provide nuanced alternatives. The phrase's ubiquity and clarity make it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

markedly longer than

Emphasizes a noticeable difference in duration.

substantially longer than

Highlights a significant difference in time.

considerably longer than

Indicates a noteworthy increase in duration.

significantly longer than

Stresses a meaningful extension in time.

appreciably longer than

Suggests a measurable difference in length.

dramatically longer than

Conveys a striking increase in duration.

infinitely longer than

Implies a boundless extension of time.

incomparably longer than

Indicates a duration that cannot be matched.

vastly longer than

Emphasizes a great amount of time.

measurably longer than

Highlights a difference that can be quantified.

FAQs

How do I use "far longer than" in a sentence?

Use "far longer than" to compare the duration of two events or periods, emphasizing a significant difference. For example, "The project took "far longer than" we anticipated."

What can I say instead of "far longer than"?

Alternatives include "markedly longer than", "substantially longer than", or "considerably longer than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "far longer than" formal or informal?

The phrase "far longer than" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in news and media. Its intensity makes it most effective when emphasizing a significant difference in duration.

What's the difference between "longer than" and "far longer than"?

"Longer than" simply indicates that one duration exceeds another. "Far longer than" emphasizes that the difference in duration is significant or unexpected, adding emotional weight or surprise to the statement.