for many moons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for many moons" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in a poetic or metaphorical context to indicate a long period of time, typically in storytelling or folklore. Example: "The villagers had waited for many moons for the return of their lost hero."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

With no big election drama anymore, that will be the story paraded around, in spite of the fact that it's been an issue for many moons, massively ignored by the media in favor of sexier stories.

Huffington Post

But not for many moons.

The New York Times

It has been obvious for many moons that the only Democrat with a real shot at turfing out Mr Cellucci is Mr Harshbarger.

The Economist

Speaking as someone who has coached for many moons, at all levels of the game, I have to question this assumption.

Independent

As Mr. Rich wrote, "A visit to 'Moose Murders' is what will separate the connoisseurs of Broadway disaster from mere dilettantes for many moons to come".

The New York Times

My Last Summer was an ever-uplifting programme, and one of the best things Channel 4 has done for many moons.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Tickets to the event, called the Feast of Many Moons, start at $500 for admission at 7 30 p.m.

The New York Times - Food

This is the planet of many moons.

Huffington Post

I was born in Nigeria, studied and worked in the United States, and moved to Stockholm for love many moons ago after giving up my life as a system architect working with Geographic Information Systems GISS).

The Guardian

But while many left VHS and the humble VCR for dead many moons ago, replaced first by DVD recorders in 1999, then personal video recorders (PVRs) such as Sky's + box in the early 2000s, around 58% of US households still had a VCR according to a Gallup poll.

The Guardian - Tech

The recent debut of Harry Little, a 19-year-old who still works in a shoe shop, was a triumph for imaginative recruitment, as the Broncos had spotted him playing in the Rosslyn Park rugby union sevens - just as Doug Laughton did a certain Martin Offiah before signing him for Widnes many moons ago.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using it, ensure the context aligns with its slightly whimsical or storytelling tone. It might not be suitable for formal or technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "for many moons" in formal or technical writing, as it can sound out of place and detract from the seriousness or precision of the content. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "for a long time" or "for many years" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for many moons" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate duration. It provides a temporal context, specifying how long an action has occurred or a state has persisted. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for many moons" is a grammatically sound and relatively common idiom used to indicate a long period. While versatile, its usage leans towards informal or neutral contexts, making it suitable for storytelling and less appropriate for technical or formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples showcasing its use in reputable sources. When aiming for a touch of whimsy or historical depth, "for many moons" is a fitting choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a long time

This is a general and straightforward way to indicate a considerable duration.

for many years

Specifies the duration in terms of years, providing a more precise timeframe.

for quite some time

Emphasizes the length of the duration with the addition of "quite".

for a considerable period

Uses more formal language to indicate a substantial duration.

for ages

An informal way to express a very long time.

for what seems like forever

Emphasizes the subjective feeling of a very long duration.

since time immemorial

Indicates a time period stretching back to the distant past.

for a protracted duration

Highlights the length and drawn-out nature of the time period.

for donkey's years

A British English idiom for a very long time.

since the beginning of time

Implies a duration spanning from the very origin of existence.

FAQs

What does "for many moons" mean?

The phrase "for many moons" is an idiom that means for a long period. It's often used to evoke a sense of time passing, similar to saying "for a long time".

How can I use "for many moons" in a sentence?

You can use "for many moons" to describe something that has lasted a long time. For example: "The tradition has been upheld "for many moons"."

Are there any alternatives to the phrase "for many moons"?

Yes, there are several alternatives you can use instead of "for many moons", such as "for a long time", "for many years", or "for ages".

Is "for many moons" a formal or informal expression?

"For many moons" is generally considered an informal expression, often used in storytelling or creative writing. It might not be appropriate for formal or technical contexts.