for a long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a long" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a period of time or duration. Here is an example: I have been waiting for a long time for the bus to arrive. In this sentence, "for a long time" means an extended period or duration of waiting. Here are a few more examples: - The students have been studying for a long time, so they deserve a break. - Sarah has been working at the company for a long time and has gained a lot of experience. - We walked for a long while before reaching the summit of the mountain. Overall, "for a long" is a versatile phrase that can be used to indicate a long duration of time in various contexts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a long time?

The New York Times

For a long time it….

The New Yorker

Prepare for a long convalescence.

The Economist

Silence for a long spell.

The New Yorker

Not for a long time.

The New Yorker

I can talk for a long time.

The New York Times - Magazine

She thought for a long time.

The Economist

Bogue paused for a long moment.

The New Yorker

"It could stay for a long time".

The New York Times

For a long while Franklin doubted this.

The New York Times - Science

For a long time, he thought not.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a long" to indicate an extended duration, ensuring the context clearly specifies what is lasting "for a long".

Common error

Avoid using "for a long" directly with countable nouns without specifying the time period. Instead of "I waited for a long calls", say "I waited for a long time for calls".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a long" primarily functions as a prepositional modifier, typically followed by a noun like time, while, or moment. It indicates duration or the extent of an action or state. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a long" is a grammatically sound and very common prepositional phrase used to denote duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. To ensure correct usage, follow it with a specific time-related noun and avoid direct use with countable nouns without specifying a time period. Alternative phrases, such as "for an extended period" or "for quite some time", can add nuance depending on the intended meaning. Using this phrase correctly helps writers effectively convey the length of time associated with an action or state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for an extended period

Replaces "long" with "extended period", emphasizing the duration more explicitly.

for a considerable duration

Substitutes "long" with "considerable duration", highlighting the substantial length of time.

for quite some time

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the meaning of a prolonged period.

for an appreciable amount of time

Replaces "long" with a more formal and precise expression indicating a noticeable duration.

over a drawn-out period

Emphasizes the drawn-out or protracted nature of the duration.

during a lengthy interval

Substitutes "long" with "lengthy interval", focusing on the span between two points in time.

for a protracted time

Uses "protracted" to emphasize the prolonged and sometimes tedious nature of the duration.

for many years

Provides a specific timeframe, implying a considerable amount of time.

for what seemed like forever

Uses hyperbole to describe a period that felt exceptionally long.

throughout a sustained period

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the duration, implying consistency.

FAQs

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

Use "for a long" to indicate a duration of time, as in "I haven't seen her "for a long time"" or "They waited "for a long while" before making a decision".

What's the difference between "for a long time" and "for a while"?

"For a long time" implies a more extended duration than "for a while". "For a while" suggests a shorter, indefinite period, while "for a long time" indicates a significantly longer period.

Are there alternatives to saying "for a long time"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "for an extended period", "for quite some time", or "over a prolonged period" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "for a long"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is usually followed by words like "time", "while", or "moment" to indicate the duration, but "for a long" can work without them if the context implies it.