it has long been

USAGE SUMMARY

"it has long been" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express the idea that something has been true or happening for a long period of time. For example, "It has long been thought that human behavior is heavily influenced by environmental factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, it has long been neglected because of mainly its long life cycle and poor yield.

Rice

It has long been known that mechanical stimulation of myocardium affects its electrical activity.

Cardiovascular Research

It has long been Labatt's.

The New York Times - Sports

It has long been so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In truth, it has long been fraying.

The Economist

It has long been her Achilles' heel.

The New York Times - Sports

(It has long been available on VHS).

The New York Times

And it has long been unsuccessful.

The New Yorker

It has long been the US position.

The Guardian

It has long been used as a blue dye.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it has long been clear that it would fail.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has long been" to introduce widely accepted facts, established customs, or historical contexts to provide background information and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it has long been" when referring to events that occurred only recently or within a short timeframe. "Long" implies a considerable duration, not just a few weeks or months.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has long been" functions as an introductory clause to establish a context of extended duration or historical prevalence. It sets the stage for a statement that is widely accepted or has existed for a significant period, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has long been" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to introduce statements that have been true or accepted for a considerable amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and prevalent nature. It frequently appears in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, demonstrating a neutral to formal register. To ensure clarity, avoid using it for recent events. Consider alternatives like "it has traditionally been" or "it has historically been" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is a valuable tool for establishing context and lending authority to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has traditionally been

Emphasizes established custom or practice over an extended period.

it has historically been

Highlights the historical aspect and its continuation into the present.

it has for a long time been

Adds emphasis to the duration of time.

it has always been

Implies a constant state from the beginning.

it is well-established that

Focuses on the established nature of the fact or idea.

it is a long-standing

Emphasizes the duration of existence or practice.

it was formerly

Highlights a past condition that existed for a while.

it is long-held that

Suggests something is part of our tradition.

it is of long duration

States the duration of the action.

it is rooted in history

Indicates that the current matter has its origins long ago.

FAQs

How can I use "it has long been" in a sentence?

Use "it has long been" to introduce something that has been known, practiced, or believed for a considerable period. For example, "it has long been recognized that regular exercise benefits overall health."

What are some alternatives to "it has long been"?

You can use phrases like "it has traditionally been", "it has historically been", or "it has always been" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "it has long been known"?

While "it has long been known" might seem slightly redundant, it emphasizes both the duration and the widespread acceptance of a particular fact or belief. The phrase is grammatically correct.

When is it inappropriate to use "it has long been"?

Avoid using "it has long been" when referring to recent events or short periods. The phrase implies a significant duration, so it's unsuitable for things that have only been true for a few weeks or months.