has long been

USAGE SUMMARY

"has long been" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that has existed for a long period of time. For example: "The tradition of giving gifts for special occasions has long been a part of many cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Corruption has long been systemic.

The Economist

It has long been Labatt's.

The New York Times - Sports

It has long been so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This has long been known.

The Economist

Fracking has long been controversial.

Independent

This has long been an open scandal.

The New York Times

EUROPE has long been defiantly GM-free.

The Economist

MEDICINE has long been a mysterious art.

The Economist

This frustration has long been the case.

The New Yorker

The answer has long been unclear.

The Economist

The house has long been neglected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has long been" to emphasize the duration or historical context of a situation or condition. For example, "The debate over healthcare reform has long been a contentious issue."

Common error

Avoid using "has long been" when referring to recent events or changes. It is best suited for situations that have persisted for a considerable amount of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has long been" functions as a present perfect construction, indicating a state or condition that began in the past and continues to the present. Ludwig provides numerous examples confirming this usage, showing its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has long been" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the duration of a state or condition that began in the past and persists to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using "has long been", it's crucial to consider the temporal context and avoid using it for recent events. Alternatives like "has traditionally been" or "has always been" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has consistently been

Emphasizes the consistent nature over an extended duration.

has for a long time been

Adds emphasis to the duration.

has been a longstanding

Highlights the established nature of something.

has traditionally been

Focuses on tradition or custom over a long period.

has persistently been

Emphasizes the persistent nature over an extended duration.

has historically been

Emphasizes historical precedent.

has always been

Suggests a state that has existed continuously from the beginning.

has been known for a long time

Highlights the recognition of something over time.

has been established for years

Indicates something that is firmly rooted or recognized over an extended period.

has been a permanent feature

Stresses the unchanging aspect over an extended duration.

FAQs

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

The phrase "has long been" is used to indicate that something has existed or been a certain way for a considerable period. For example, "The capital "has long been" known for its historical landmarks."

What are some alternatives to "has long been"?

You can use alternatives such as "has traditionally been", "has historically been", or "has always been" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "had long been" instead of "has long been"?

While both are grammatically correct, "has long been" refers to something that started in the past and continues to the present, whereas "had long been" refers to something that existed for a long time in the past but may no longer be true.

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

"Has long been" implies a state that started in the past and continues to the present or has relevance to the present. "Was long", on the other hand, simply describes a state that existed in the past. For example, "The process was long and difficult" simply describes the process in the past, without necessarily implying the same process continues now.