have a long way to go

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "have a long way to go" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation that requires a lot of effort, progress, or development before it is completed or successful. Example: We still have a long way to go to reach our goal of reducing emissions by 50%.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I have a long way to go".

The New York Times - Magazine

He added, "They have a long way to go".

The New York Times

The Panthers still have a long way to go.

The New York Times

Mister, you have a long way to go.

The New York Times

But banks, he says, have a long way to go.

The Economist

But retail still does have a long way to go.

The Guardian

"But we have a long way to go.

The New York Times

So we may have a long way to go.

The Economist

"We have a long way to go, women.

The New York Times

Results, however, still have a long way to go.

Independent

And we have a long way to go.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a long way to go" to express that a goal is distant or significant progress is still required. For instance, when discussing a project's status or personal development.

Common error

Avoid using "have a long way to go" when the goal is nearly achieved. This phrase implies a substantial distance remains.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a long way to go" functions as an idiomatic expression. It typically serves as a statement indicating that substantial progress or effort is still required to achieve a particular goal. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a long way to go" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to express that substantial progress or effort is still needed to reach a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. Related phrases include "still have much to accomplish" and "need to make significant strides". When using this phrase, ensure that the scope of the remaining work is indeed significant. As the examples indicate, it's a versatile expression for tempering expectations and emphasizing continued effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still have much to accomplish

Focuses on the remaining tasks rather than the distance.

need to make significant strides

Emphasizes the importance of large steps forward.

have a considerable distance to cover

Uses "distance" in a more literal sense.

are far from the finish line

Uses a race metaphor to indicate being far from completion.

have significant progress to achieve

Highlights the amount of progress that needs to be made.

still have mountains to climb

Employs a metaphor of overcoming obstacles.

are only just beginning

Suggests that the starting point has just been reached.

are not even close

Expresses a larger gap to cover.

have a steep learning curve

Emphasizes the difficulty of acquiring new skills or knowledge.

are worlds away

Indicates a substantial difference or separation from the desired state.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have a long way to go"?

It means that there is still much progress to be made or a significant amount of effort required to achieve a particular goal or reach a certain point.

How can I use "have a long way to go" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe situations where progress is slow or a lot of work remains. For example, "We "still have much to accomplish" before the project is complete".

What are some alternative ways to say "have a long way to go"?

Alternatives include "need to make significant strides", "are far from the finish line", or "still have mountains to climb", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "have a long way to go" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially when discussing progress or future steps. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall formality of the piece. In more formal contexts, alternatives like "significant progress is still needed" might be preferable.