for long spells

USAGE SUMMARY

"for long spells" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to express a period of time. For example, "He was left alone for long spells, with no one to talk to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For long spells, the tension was extreme.

The Guardian - Sport

Will they be convicted and sent away for long spells?

The New York Times

For long spells last night the opposite was true.

The Guardian - Sport

He scored with a masterful volley but he disappeared for long spells.

The New York Times - Sports

Leicester are 17th, a point above Sunderland, and they were mediocre for long spells against Burnley.

The Guardian - Sport

They looked second best to Portugal for long spells, yet led the game.

The Guardian - Sport

For long spells, particularly the final 15 minutes or so, England had the better of it.

The Guardian - Sport

It seemed so for long spells, despite flashes of brilliance – mostly from the inconsistent Toni Kroos.

The Guardian - Sport

For long spells, it looked as if Lowry would merely add to McIlroy's recent heartache.

The Guardian - Sport

For long spells, they subdued Barcelona in a way that few could have anticipated.

The Guardian - Sport

Kutuzova might have made more of it, despite playing well for long spells.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for long spells" to describe situations where an activity, condition, or state persists intermittently over a notable duration, especially when emphasizing that this duration impacts the overall outcome or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "for long spells" when describing actions or conditions that are truly continuous without interruption. If something occurs without breaks, use phrases like "continuously", "for a long time", or "without interruption" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for long spells" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the duration and manner of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for long spells" is a correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating that an action or condition persists intermittently over a noticeable period. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase. Primarily found in "News & Media" contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing purposes. When using this phrase, ensure that the context involves intermittent occurrences rather than continuous actions, differentiating it from alternatives like "for a long time." It is a versatile phrase, yet careful consideration should be given to more descriptive alternatives to enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during long stretches

Similar in meaning, but slightly less formal.

for extended periods

Focuses on the length of time more explicitly, suggesting a continuous duration.

for substantial stretches of time

Emphasizes the size of the time periods.

over a considerable time

Highlights the substantial nature of the time involved.

for prolonged durations

A more formal way of expressing a long lasting time.

during lengthy intervals

Emphasizes the breaks or spaces between occurrences within the long period.

during considerable spans

A slightly more literary or formal alternative, highlighting the expanse of time.

throughout significant stretches

Implies a sense of continuity and progress over time.

over extensive phases

Highlights the broad and comprehensive nature of the time period.

for notable phases

Focuses on specific portions of time within a broader period.

FAQs

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

You can use "for long spells" to describe a situation that persists intermittently over time. For example, "The team struggled "for long spells" during the game, but ultimately secured a victory."

What phrases are similar to "for long spells"?

Alternatives include "for extended periods", "during lengthy intervals", or "over a considerable time". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "for long spells" formal or informal?

"For long spells" is generally considered neutral in formality and is suitable for a wide range of contexts, including news articles, reports, and general conversation.

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

"For a long time" suggests a continuous, unbroken duration, while "for long spells" indicates that something occurs intermittently over a prolonged period, with breaks or interruptions in between.