for long

USAGE SUMMARY

'for long' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate a period of time, such as "They have been friends for long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not for long, though; never for long.

The New York Times - Food

It's not for long".

The New York Times

Not for long, though.

The New York Times - Food

Perhaps not for long.

The New York Times - Sports

Never for long, however.

The New York Times - Arts

But not for long.

The New York Times

They weren't for long.

The New York Times

Time for Long Bonds?

The New York Times

But probably not for long.

The New York Times

It wasn't empty for long.

The New Yorker

The N.F.L. — Not for Long.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for long" to indicate the duration of an action or state, especially when implying a limit or change. For example, "He didn't stay angry for long."

Common error

Avoid using "for long" when the context requires a specific measurement of time. For instance, instead of saying "I waited for long", specify the duration: "I waited for an hour."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for long" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs or clauses, indicating the duration of an action or state. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests a span of time, often implying a limitation or change. Examples in Ludwig show its use to express that something doesn't last or continue for an extended period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

13%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for long" is a common and versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate or question the duration of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. It functions to specify or question the length of time something lasts, often implying a limited duration. When writing, it's best to use "for long" to indicate duration, especially when implying a limit or change. The expert rating reflects the phrase's grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency. While seemingly simple, mastering its usage requires understanding its context and the subtle nuances it conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over a long period

Emphasizes the duration of time more explicitly.

for an extended time

Highlights the prolonged nature of the duration.

during a lengthy period

Similar to 'for an extended time', it stresses the considerable duration.

for a considerable duration

Indicates a notable amount of time.

during a drawn-out period

Highlights that the period of time was unnecessarily prolonged.

for a protracted time

Similar to 'during a drawn-out period', suggests a tediously long duration.

over the long haul

Suggests a commitment to a long-term process or goal.

in the long run

Focuses on the eventual outcome after a significant duration.

for ages

An informal way to express a very long time.

for quite some time

Emphasizes that a noticeable amount of time has passed.

FAQs

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

"For long" is used to express duration or the extent of time. For example, "They haven't known each other "for long"" indicates that their acquaintance is relatively recent.

What are some alternatives to "for long"?

Alternatives include phrases like "over a long period", "for an extended time", or "in the long run", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not for long"?

Yes, "not for long" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something will not last or continue for an extended period.

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

While both indicate duration, "for a long time" is more emphatic. "For long" is often used in negative contexts or questions, while "for a long time" generally implies a considerable duration without specific limitations.