have long thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have long thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a belief or opinion that has been held for an extended period of time. Example: "I have long thought that education is the key to success in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have long thought that too many people freak out at the very thought of E numbers.

BBC

Probably not, many Turks have long thought.

The Economist

I have long thought this policy overly ambitious.

Columbia University

The German team's coach, Robin Dutt, said what many men have long thought.

The New York Times - Sports

Americans have long thought differently of domestic labor than of most other kinds of employment.

The New York Times

Scientists have long thought explanations for why some people get fat might lie in their genes.

The New York Times - Health

The policy is politically popular, but economists have long thought it has little justification.

The New York Times

We have long thought that a key molecular defect should be consistently present at DNA, RNA, and protein levels.

Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics

Geomorphologists have long thought that events must have causes and that landscape structures exist where they do for particular reasons.

Geomorphology

Scientists have long thought that an overly sensitive nervous system is the culprit behind chronic pain.

The Washington Post

Evolutionary biologists have long thought that lying ought to destroy societies.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "have long thought," follow it with a clear and concise explanation of the reasoning behind your opinion, enhancing its credibility and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "have long thought" if the idea or belief is relatively recent; it implies a more extended period of consideration. In such cases, phrases like "I think" or "I believe" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have long thought" functions as a rhetorical device to introduce a viewpoint that the speaker or writer has held consistently over time. This construction adds weight and credibility to the subsequent statement, suggesting a well-considered opinion, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have long thought" is a versatile and commonly used construction to introduce an opinion or idea held consistently over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, science, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the idea has indeed been considered over a considerable period, and follow it with a clear explanation to enhance credibility. While versatile, its formality is neutral, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios. Remember that related phrases like "have always believed" or "have long considered" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have consistently thought

Stresses the consistency of the thought process over a period.

have long considered

Emphasizes a more deliberate and thoughtful consideration over time.

have long held the opinion

Highlights the act of holding the opinion and it’s significance.

have always believed

Focuses on belief rather than the process of thinking, suggesting a stronger conviction.

have for a long time believed

Adds emphasis to the duration of the belief.

have long maintained

Highlights the act of consistently asserting a particular belief.

have been of the opinion for years

Formal and emphasizes the duration of holding the opinion.

have always been of the view

States that the view has never changed, highlighting steadfastness.

have long felt

Indicates a long-held sentiment or intuition, rather than a reasoned opinion.

have previously considered

Implies that thought process happened earlier and it’s completed now, but could be still relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "have long thought" in a sentence?

You can use "have long thought" to introduce an opinion you've held for a while. For example, "I "have long thought" that access to education should be a universal right."

What phrases are similar to "have long thought"?

Alternatives include "have always believed", "have long considered", or "have consistently thought". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "have long thought" formal or informal?

"Have long thought" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for both professional and academic writing, as well as less formal contexts.

What's the difference between "have long thought" and "I think"?

"Have long thought" implies that the opinion has been held for a significant period and has been given considerable thought. "I think" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply a long-held or deeply considered opinion.