is to linger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to linger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of staying in a place or remaining in a state for an extended period of time, often with a sense of hesitation or reluctance to leave. Example: "In moments of reflection, the mind is to linger on the memories of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Reasons, that is, to linger.

The New Yorker

State television, whose normal task is to linger at royal receptions, instead broadcast live from the gory scene throughout the fatal night.

The Economist

As tempting as it is to linger with friends, cyclists know to drag their wheels back to the city while the sugar still churns in their systems.

The New York Times

His personal rebellion is to linger over patients as long as he thinks it's necessary, the hell with the performance metrics that nudge him to see more.

The New York Times

Ms. Kirkman knows how to deliver a one-liner, but her inclination is to linger in the telling of a story.

The New York Times - Arts

A central part of Pestonian is to linger on the little words - an "of", for instance, can last half a minute - and then speed through the big ones.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

His own personal inclination may have been to linger longer, but his son's activities may have hastened his departure.

Independent

If the chemical were to linger, it would be more likely to get lofted into the stratosphere, where it would, like CFCs, decompose into ozone-destroying chlorine.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Today's population, by contrast, is older and is expected to linger for longer in retirement.

The Economist

While this resentment is likely to linger, for Assir, it is now essentially game over.

Vice

Some suspicions are bound to linger: he is known to employ several body doubles.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is to linger" when you want to convey a sense of gentle continuation or a reluctance to depart from a particular state or place.

Common error

Avoid using "is to linger" when a more direct verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of "The crowd is to linger after the show", use "The crowd will linger after the show" or "The crowd is expected to linger after the show".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is to linger" is to form an infinitive phrase that acts as a verb complement or part of a larger verb phrase. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is to linger" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, especially within News & Media, to indicate a state of continuation or a gentle reluctance to leave. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While alternatives like "is to remain" or "is to stay" exist, "is to linger" uniquely conveys a prolonged or hesitant presence. When writing, consider the context to ensure it appropriately captures the intended nuance of continuation or reluctance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is to remain

Focuses on continuing in the same state or place, omitting the sense of hesitation.

is to stay

Emphasizes a temporary pause or halt, rather than an extended duration.

is to tarry

Implies a deliberate delay, often with a sense of enjoyment or leisure.

is to dawdle

Suggests slow or lazy movement, with a focus on wasting time.

is to prolong

Highlights extending the duration of something, typically an event or situation.

is to delay

Focuses on postponing or deferring something, rather than continuing in a state.

is to abide

Emphasizes compliance or acceptance, rather than physical presence.

is to hang around

Suggests informal waiting or loitering in a place.

is to stick around

Emphasizes continued presence, often with a sense of loyalty or support.

is to extend

Highlights increasing the length or scope of something, differing from maintaining a current state.

FAQs

How can I use "is to linger" in a sentence?

Use "is to linger" to describe a state of remaining or continuing in a place or condition, often with a sense of reluctance or gentle prolongation. For example, "The memory of that day is to linger in my mind forever".

What are some alternatives to "is to linger"?

You can use alternatives like "is to remain", "is to stay", or "is to tarry" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "is to linger"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, consider if a simpler phrasing like "remains" or "stays" might be more effective in your specific context.

What's the difference between "is to linger" and "is to stay"?

"Is to linger" implies a gentle continuation or reluctance to leave, while "is to stay" simply indicates remaining in a place or condition. The former suggests a more prolonged or hesitant presence.