is getting longer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is getting longer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is increasing in length or duration over time. Example: "The line at the coffee shop is getting longer as more customers arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The list is getting longer.

Independent

That month-long detention is getting longer.

The Washington Post

THE list of the fallen is getting longer.

The Economist

And the line is getting longer every week.

The New York Times - Books

The road back to power is getting longer.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The season is getting longer and longer," said Mr. Schoelkopf.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the list of corporate scandals is getting longer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Predictably, at www.freesklyarov.org, the schedule for more protests is getting longer.

The Economist

The list of malicious programs suspected of being the handiwork of governments is getting longer.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the school day is getting longer with wraparound activities for children from 8am to 6pm.

The Guardian

In addition, the time limit on Encore screenings is getting longer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is getting longer", ensure the context clearly specifies what is lengthening, whether it's time, distance, or a list. For example, "The wait time is getting longer" provides clear context.

Common error

Avoid using "is getting longer" without a clear subject. For example, instead of just saying "It's getting longer", specify what "it" refers to, such as "The project timeline is getting longer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is getting longer" functions as a progressive verb phrase, indicating an ongoing process of something increasing in length or duration. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where it describes various increasing phenomena, such as lists, seasons, and waiting times.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is getting longer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating that something is increasing in length or duration. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears across diverse contexts, with News & Media being the most prevalent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context makes it clear what is lengthening, avoiding ambiguity for clarity. While alternatives such as "is increasing in length" or "is extending in duration" exist, "is getting longer" maintains its position as a reliable and versatile option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is increasing in length

Replaces "getting" with "increasing" and specifies "in length" for clarity.

is extending in duration

Substitutes "getting" with "extending" and uses "duration" to emphasize time.

is becoming more protracted

Replaces "getting longer" with "becoming more protracted", indicating a drawn-out process.

is expanding in scope

Focuses on the expansion of scope rather than physical length or time.

is protracting over time

Highlights the lengthening process happening as time passes.

is stretching out

Uses a more informal and visual expression to convey the idea of lengthening.

is elongating gradually

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the lengthening process.

is on the increase

Indicates that the length or duration is generally increasing.

is growing progressively

Highlights the progressive aspect of the growth or lengthening.

is amplifying over time

Suggests that the length or duration is not just increasing but also intensifying.

FAQs

How can I use "is getting longer" in a sentence?

Use "is getting longer" to describe something that is increasing in length or duration over time. For instance, "The line at the grocery store "is getting longer"" or "The days "are getting longer" in the summer."

What are some alternatives to "is getting longer"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is increasing in length", "is extending in duration", or "is becoming more protracted", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is getting longer"?

Yes, "is getting longer" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe something that is increasing in length or duration.

What's the difference between "is getting longer" and "is becoming longer"?

While both phrases are similar, "is getting longer" implies a more gradual or ongoing process, while "is becoming longer" can suggest a more noticeable or rapid change. They are often interchangeable, but context can influence the best choice.