for long was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for long was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something lasted for a significant period of time in the past. Example: "For long was the kingdom at peace, until the dark clouds of war began to gather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The manager, though not for long, was Yogi Berra.

The New York Times - Sports

Foremost among the items that "Nijinsky" didn't stick with for long was dancing.

The New Yorker

Another famous name disappearing from UK corporate life – but maybe not for long – was Pontin's.

The Guardian - Business

Marvis, the preacher, too gentle to have stayed a boxer for long, was there that morning.

The New York Times - Sports

The PmoA subunit contains non-heme iron in its center and for long was proposed to be the site of substrate hydroxylation.

AMB Express

The photographs are still pictures so it's impossible to know how easily Kim Jong-un is walking - did he walk for long, was he standing simply for the photographer?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The dilemma for policymakers is that keeping rates low for long is dangerous.

The Economist

"It would not for long be sustainable inside any kind of boundaries".

The New York Times

Whether NoMad will retain its unpolished element for long is uncertain.

The New York Times

Whether Mr. Systrom will stay there for long is anyone's guess.

The New York Times - Tech

Australia-based OmniDrive (unfunded but not for long) is the clear leader in features.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for long was" when emphasizing a past state or condition that persisted for a notable duration but has since changed or ended.

Common error

Avoid using "for long was" when referring to a continuous or ongoing state; instead, use "has been for long" or "has long been" to indicate persistence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for long was" functions as an adverbial modifier emphasizing duration, typically referring to a state or condition that existed for a significant period in the past. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for long was" is a grammatically sound way to express a state or condition that persisted for a notable duration in the past. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is indeed usable in written English.

While versatile, it's most common in news, scientific, and general contexts and may sound slightly formal or archaic in modern conversations. It's crucial to use it correctly, as mistaking the tense can lead to miscommunication. When rephrasing, consider options like "had long been" or "was for an extended time" to achieve a more contemporary tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was for an extended time

Focuses on the length of time, making it more explicit.

had been for a long period

Similar to the query, but more explicitly denoting a completed past duration.

was long considered

Emphasizes a period of consideration or belief, rather than simple duration.

continued for a long while

Highlights the continuation of a state or action.

used to be for a long time

More verbose, emphasizing a past state that persisted.

was once for a long stretch

Emphasizes a past state that is no longer true.

remained for an extended period

Formal and focuses on the persistence of a condition.

was previously for a long duration

Formal and emphasizes a prior state.

existed for a lengthy duration

Very formal and emphasizes the existence over time.

lasted for a long time

Focuses on the duration of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "for long was" to sound more modern?

Consider using alternatives like "was long considered", "had been for a long period", or "was for an extended time" depending on the context.

Is "for long was" grammatically correct in all contexts?

While grammatically sound, "for long was" might sound slightly archaic in some modern contexts. Ensure it fits the tone and style of your writing. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is indeed usable in written English.

What's the difference between "for long was" and "had long been"?

"For long was" emphasizes a past state that has ended, while "had long been" can suggest a state that continued for a significant time before potentially ending or changing.

How to use "for long was" in a sentence?

Example: "For long was the kingdom at peace, until the dark clouds of war began to gather." This emphasizes the previous peaceful state that has now ended.