has a long road

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a long road" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or journey that requires a significant amount of time, effort, or progress to reach a goal or destination. Example: "The project has a long road ahead before it can be completed successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Zagster still has a long road ahead.

The New York Times

Eden still has a long road ahead.

The New York Times

The bill has a long road ahead.

The New York Times

He has a long road ahead of him.

The New York Times

And the Coupe has a long road life.

The New York Times

With Guardiola only 38, his future has a long road.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"He's had a long road".

The New York Times

Their colleagues have a long road ahead.

The Economist

I know that we have a long road ahead.

The Economist

We have a long road ahead of us.

The Guardian

The companies still have a long road to the $100 genome.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has a long road" to realistically portray the timeline and effort required for achieving a significant goal. For example, instead of saying "The recovery will be quick", consider "The patient "has a long road" to full recovery" to set realistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "has a long road" as a cliché without specifying the challenges or the expected duration. Instead of a vague statement, add details: "The company "has a long road" to profitability due to increased competition and regulatory hurdles".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a long road" functions as a metaphorical expression indicating a prolonged and challenging process or journey. It is often used to describe situations requiring significant effort and time to achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has a long road" is a common and versatile expression used to describe processes or journeys that are expected to be lengthy and challenging. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. Analysis of its usage across various contexts reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media, followed by academic and scientific publications. This suggests that the phrase is valuable for conveying the complexity and duration of various endeavors. When using "has a long road", it is crucial to provide context, clarifying the challenges and anticipated timeline, to avoid being seen as cliché. Overall, understanding the nuances of "has a long road" allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a tough journey ahead

Uses "tough" as a synonym for "difficult".

has a challenging path

Focuses on the obstacles on the route ahead.

faces a difficult journey

Emphasizes the difficulty of the journey.

in for the long haul

Suggests commitment to a lengthy process.

has a steep climb ahead

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required for progress.

faces an uphill battle

Highlights the struggle against opposition.

has a protracted process

Focuses on the length and duration of the process.

has much to overcome

Focuses on the number of obstacles that need to be bypassed.

is in for a marathon

Uses a marathon metaphor to highlight the endurance required.

will take a while to recover

Specifically relates to recovery processes, suggesting a lengthy recuperation.

FAQs

How can I use "has a long road" in a sentence?

You can use "has a long road" to describe a lengthy and challenging process, such as "The project "has a long road ahead" before completion" or "She "has a long road to recovery" after the surgery".

What does it mean when someone "has a long road"?

When someone "has a long road", it means they face a process that will take considerable time and effort to complete, filled with potential challenges and obstacles. It implies that the end goal is not easily or quickly achievable.

Which is a better alternative to "has a long road", "faces an uphill battle" or "tough journey ahead"?

Both "faces an uphill battle" and "tough journey ahead" are suitable alternatives to "has a long road", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Faces an uphill battle" emphasizes the struggle against opposition, while "tough journey ahead" simply highlights the difficulty of the journey.

Is it appropriate to use "has a long road" in formal writing?

Yes, "has a long road" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying the complexity and duration of a task or situation. However, ensure that the tone of your writing remains professional and avoids overly casual language.