it lingers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it lingers" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that remains or persists for a longer period of time than expected or desired. Example: The scent of her perfume lingered in the air long after she had left the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It lingers".

The New York Times - Sports

It lingers where it pleases.

The New York Times

It lingers on the tongue.

The New York Times - Food

But it lingers in the cranium.

The New York Times - Books

It lingers and rankles and upsets.

The New Yorker

And it lingers in the mouth.

Independent

For good or ill, it lingers on.

The Economist

It lingers like a bad odour.

The Guardian

Or it lingers on Winslet's expressions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But be warned, it lingers, maddeningly, in the brain.

The Economist

And it lingers with you, your whole life".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it lingers" when you want to emphasize the lasting or continuing effect of something, whether it's a feeling, scent, or idea. It's particularly effective in descriptive writing to create a sense of atmosphere.

Common error

While "it lingers" is appropriate for descriptive and narrative contexts, avoid overusing it in technical or scientific writing where precise and objective language is preferred. Opt for more specific terms that describe the duration or persistence of the phenomenon being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it lingers" typically functions as a verb phrase, where "it" is a pronoun referring to a previously mentioned subject, and "lingers" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it lingers" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes the continuation or persistence of something over time. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage. It is often found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, consider the subtle emotional or sensory connotations it adds to your writing. For alternatives, consider phrases like "it remains", "it persists", or "it endures", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains

This alternative emphasizes the state of something continuing to exist or be present.

it stays

This is a simpler, more direct way of indicating that something remains in a certain place or state.

it persists

This suggests a more forceful continuation, often against some form of resistance.

it continues

This focuses on the ongoing nature of something without necessarily implying a long duration.

it endures

This implies a lasting presence, often through difficult conditions or over a long period.

it carries on

This suggests a continuation despite potential obstacles or challenges.

it abides

This suggests a more formal and lasting presence, often in a legal or moral sense.

it is sustained

Focuses on the fact that something is kept going, potentially by an external force.

it sticks around

Similar to "hangs around", this also suggests an informal and perhaps unexpected presence.

it hangs around

This implies an informal and often unwanted presence.

FAQs

How can I use "it lingers" in a sentence?

You can use "it lingers" to describe something that remains present or continues to have an effect over time. For example, "The memory of that day "it lingers" even now".

What are some alternatives to "it lingers"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it remains", "it persists", or "it endures", each carrying slightly different connotations of duration or intensity.

Is "it lingers" formal or informal?

"It lingers" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and subject matter. However, it leans slightly towards the more descriptive side and may be less suitable for highly technical writing.

What's the difference between "it lingers" and "it stays"?

While both phrases indicate something remains, ""it lingers"" implies a gradual fading or a more subtle presence, often with an emotional or sensory connotation. "it stays" is a more direct and neutral statement of remaining in a place or state.