in the long run

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the long run" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a process that will happen gradually over a long period of time or as the ultimate result of an action. Example sentence: "Working hard now will pay off in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the long run?

The New York Times - Sports

In the long run, reasonable.

The Economist

But in the long run?

The Economist

But not in the long run.

The Economist

It's cheaper in the long run".

The New York Times

In the long run, it helps me".

The New York Times - Sports

Who is stronger in the long run?

The New York Times - Books

In the long run, it hardly matters.

The New York Times

It saves money in the long run".

Independent

It will, in the long run.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's worth it in the long-run.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the long run" to emphasize the lasting consequences or benefits of a decision or action, rather than immediate effects. For example, "Investing in renewable energy will benefit the environment in the long run".

Common error

Avoid using "in the long run" when discussing immediate or short-term impacts. It's crucial to differentiate between what happens now and what the eventual outcome will be.

How to use

Learn how to use "in the long run" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the long run" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a future time frame. Ludwig confirms its common use across diverse contexts, highlighting its role in adding a temporal perspective to statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the long run" functions as an adverbial phrase to denote eventual outcomes, typically contrasting them with immediate effects. With a neutral register, it frequently appears in "News & Media", academic, and Wiki contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used. Common usage involves emphasizing lasting consequences, making it a valuable tool for expressing a temporal perspective. When writing with "in the long run", differentiate clearly between immediate and eventual impacts to avoid confusing short-term and long-term effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the end

This alternative focuses on the final outcome or resolution of a situation.

ultimately

This alternative highlights the final result or consequence, often after a series of events or considerations.

eventually

This alternative is more concise and focuses solely on the idea of something happening at a later time.

over time

This alternative focuses on the gradual unfolding of events or changes.

down the line

This alternative is more informal and suggests a future point in time, often in the context of planning or consequences.

with time

This alternative highlights the role of time in bringing about a certain result.

in the fullness of time

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the eventual realization of something after a considerable period.

sooner or later

This alternative suggests that something is inevitable but doesn't specify when it will happen.

in the distant future

This alternative emphasizes that the outcome will occur far off.

looking ahead

This alternative focuses on future planning and considerations.

FAQs

How can I use "in the long run" in a sentence?

Use "in the long run" to talk about what will happen distantly in the future as a result of something, like: "Although it may be difficult now, it will be beneficial "in the long run"".

What's a simpler way to say "in the long run"?

Alternatives to "in the long run" include "eventually", "ultimately", or "over time". The best option depends on the specific context.

Is "in the long term" the same as "in the long run"?

Yes, "in the long term" is a very similar phrase to "in the long run" and they are often interchangeable. Both refer to something that will happen far into the future.

Can "in the long run" be used for negative outcomes?

Yes, "in the long run" can refer to both positive and negative outcomes. For example, "Ignoring safety regulations may save money now, but could be costly "in the long run"".