is long gone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is long gone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that something no longer exists or is no longer relevant to the present time. For example, "The days when I could stay up late and not worry about the consequences are long gone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Feudalism is long gone.

The Economist

Pumba is long gone.

The New York Times

The money is long gone.

The New York Times

But Guardiola is long gone.

Independent

That time is long gone.

The New York Times

That world is long gone.

The New Yorker

He too is long gone.

The New York Times - Books

That era is long gone.

The New York Times

The elephant is long gone.

The New York Times

Russeks is long gone.

The New York Times

Negro is long gone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is long gone" to clearly and concisely indicate that something is no longer present, relevant, or in existence. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the passage of time and the irretrievable nature of what's being discussed.

Common error

While "is long gone" is widely understood, overuse in formal or academic writing can make the tone less sophisticated. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "no longer extant" or "has ceased to exist" for such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is long gone" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a subject is no longer present, relevant, or in existence. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is long gone" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something no longer exists or is no longer relevant. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to consider more formal alternatives for academic or highly professional settings. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of finality and can evoke nostalgia. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the passage of time and the irretrievable nature of what you're discussing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a thing of the past

Uses "thing of the past" to emphasize outdated status.

no longer exists

Directly states the absence of something.

is now defunct

Implies a formal end or cessation of operation.

is a distant memory

Suggests something is remembered but no longer present or relevant.

has ceased to be

A more formal way of saying something no longer exists.

is irretrievably lost

Highlights the impossibility of recovering something.

vanished without a trace

Emphasizes the complete disappearance of something.

is now obsolete

Focuses on something being out of date and no longer in use.

is ancient history

Implies something is very old and no longer relevant.

has faded into oblivion

Suggests something has been completely forgotten and is no longer remembered.

FAQs

How can I use "is long gone" in a sentence?

You can use "is long gone" to indicate that something no longer exists or is no longer relevant. For example, "The era of handwritten letters "is long gone"" or "That opportunity "is long gone"".

What are some alternatives to "is long gone"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is a thing of the past", "no longer exists", or "is now defunct", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is long gone" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "is long gone" might be perceived as less formal. In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "has ceased to exist" or "is no longer extant".

What is the difference between "is long gone" and "is forgotten"?

"Is long gone" implies that something no longer exists or is no longer relevant, while "is forgotten" means something is no longer remembered. Something can be "long gone" without being forgotten, and vice versa.