for that long

USAGE SUMMARY

"for that long" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific duration of time. For example: She hadn't seen him for that long; he had been away on a business trip for six months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(They probably wouldn't play for that long).

The New Yorker

It was that good, for that long.

The New Yorker

I couldn't stay focused for that long".

The New York Times - Arts

I can't stand him for that long".

The Guardian - Books

I stay underwater for that long, too.

The Guardian - Arts

He didn't try for that long.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they haven't been around for that long.

Yale University

I don't want to leave my family for that long'".

Independent

Nobody deserves to be in prison for that long".

The New York Times

(Not even NBC would tape delay it for that long).

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Will he reunite with Arnold for that long-awaited sequel to Twins?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for that long" to refer back to a previously mentioned period of time to avoid repetition and maintain clarity in your writing. For example, "The meeting was scheduled for an hour, but it didn't last "for that long"."

Common error

Avoid using "for that long" without a clear prior reference to the duration you're discussing. Ensure the reader knows what specific period you're referring to; otherwise, the phrase becomes vague and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for that long" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the duration of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for that long" functions as an adverbial phrase to specify a duration, and it is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI. It is very common in the English language, particularly in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure there is a clear reference to the duration being discussed to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "for such a long time" or "during that period" for stylistic variation. Keep in mind, it is important to ensure correct usage and to not overuse it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for such a long time

Emphasizes the extended duration using "such", adding a degree of surprise or incredulity.

for that duration

Replaces "long" with the more formal "duration", focusing on a specific period.

for that extensive period

Uses "extensive period" to highlight the length of time.

during that length of time

Emphasizes the temporal dimension with "length of time."

for that prolonged period

Replaces "long" with "prolonged", suggesting an unexpectedly extended duration.

throughout that time

Shifts the focus to the continuous aspect of the duration.

for the entirety of that time

Highlights that the action or state lasted the complete duration.

over that extended time frame

Emphasizes a broader perspective on the duration, using "time frame".

for that significant length

Substitutes "long" with "significant length", emphasizing importance rather than just duration.

for that considerable time span

Uses "considerable time span" to stress the substantial nature of the duration.

FAQs

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

Use "for that long" to refer to a specific duration of time that has already been mentioned or is understood in the context. For example, "I didn't think I could concentrate "for that long", but the presentation was surprisingly engaging."

What are some alternatives to saying "for that long"?

You can use phrases like "for such a long time", "for that duration", or "during that period" to convey a similar meaning while varying your language.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is a common and acceptable way to refer to a specific duration of time, as long as the context makes the reference clear.

What's the difference between "for that long" and "for so long"?

"For that long" refers to a specific duration that's already been mentioned, while "for so long" indicates a duration that is perceived as surprisingly long or excessive in the given context.