has lingered

USAGE SUMMARY

"has lingered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing things that have hung around for a long time, usually in a negative or frustrating manner. For example: "Their anger at the injustice of the situation has lingered for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The issue has lingered.

The New York Times

The question has lingered for years.

The New York Times - Health

That impression has lingered, he added.

The New York Times

Still, a faint public unease has lingered about Anschutz.

The New Yorker

But the mystery of the sea diaries has lingered.

The New Yorker

But the disappointment of that loss has lingered.

The New York Times - Sports

But that play has lingered with the Giants.

The New York Times - Sports

But the mystery has lingered on for 16 years.

The New York Times - Science

For the city, the pain has lingered but diminished.

The New York Times

And, to Ms. Barksdale, something else has lingered.

The New York Times

The scene has lingered with me for years.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has lingered" to describe feelings, effects, or situations that persist longer than expected, often with a negative connotation. It effectively conveys the idea of something unwelcome or problematic refusing to dissipate quickly.

Common error

While "has lingered" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or neutral vocabulary might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "has persisted" or "has remained" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has lingered" functions as a present perfect verb phrase, indicating that an action or state started in the past and continues to have an effect or presence in the present. Ludwig AI explains that the phrase describes things that have hung around for a long time, usually in a negative or frustrating manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has lingered" is a present perfect verb phrase used to describe the persistence of something over time, often with a negative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms it is a valid and frequently used phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral to slightly formal register. To enhance clarity and avoid overuse, alternatives like "has persisted" or "has remained" can be employed in more formal contexts. While generally correct, be mindful of the subtle negative implication. Ludwig's examples and analysis provide a solid base for understanding and effectively using "has lingered" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has persisted

Replaces "lingered" with "persisted", emphasizing continued existence despite challenges.

has remained

Substitutes "lingered" with "remained", focusing on the state of staying in a particular condition or place.

has continued

Replaces "lingered" with "continued", highlighting the ongoing nature of something.

has endured

Substitutes "lingered" with "endured", emphasizing the ability to withstand or last through difficulties.

has remained present

Adds "present" to "remained", stressing the active existence of something.

has hung around

An informal alternative to "has lingered", suggesting something is still present in a casual manner.

has stuck around

Similar to "has hung around", this conveys continued presence in a more colloquial way.

has stayed

A simpler alternative, indicating that something has not left or disappeared.

has carried on

Replaces "lingered" focusing on the continuation of an activity or situation.

has abided

A more formal and less common synonym for "has lingered", suggesting adherence or conformity over time.

FAQs

How can I use "has lingered" in a sentence?

Use "has lingered" to describe something that continues to exist or be noticeable for longer than expected, often with negative implications. For example, "The disappointment of the loss "has lingered" with the team."

What's a more formal alternative to "has lingered"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "has persisted" or "has remained". These options can offer a more neutral tone while still conveying the idea of something continuing over time.

Is "has lingered" always negative?

While "has lingered" often carries a negative connotation, it can sometimes be used in a neutral sense to simply indicate that something has remained for a significant period. However, be mindful of the potential for a negative interpretation depending on the context.

What's the difference between "has lingered" and "has faded"?

"Has lingered" implies something is still present, perhaps unwantedly, while "has faded" suggests that something has gradually disappeared or weakened over time. They have opposite meanings in terms of persistence.