it lingers on

USAGE SUMMARY

'it lingers on' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or emotion that continues to be present for a longer than expected period of time. For example: "The memory of my grandparent's death still lingers on in my heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

At one point, it lingers on a young girl as she tries repeatedly to launch a kite from a walled back yard.

The New Yorker

But its existence on film is a little unsettling, especially when it lingers on minutes longer than we expect it to.

Huffington Post

For good or ill, it lingers on.

The Economist

It lingers on the tongue.

The New York Times - Food

Or it lingers on Winslet's expressions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But it lingers on, in some people at least, as an aptitude for unfettered free-association.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It lingered on long enough for scientists make one last observation of a few important objects, including a supernova that was ROSAT's very first target in 1990.

Science Magazine

But it lingered on some passages like the one where Nathan Zuckerman talks about what Swede Lvov looked like without his T-shirt on in "American Pastoral" or the poignant scene in "The Human Stain" where Zuckerman and Coleman Silk dance together, and suggested that eros in Roth is even more complicated than many readers suspect.

The New York Times - Books

Let it linger on your palate.

The New York Times

But, in 2001, it lingered on a kind of threshold.

The Guardian - Film

A dab of it lingered on her lips long after the drink was done.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it lingers on", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "the scent of lavender lingered on" is more precise than "it lingered on".

Common error

While "it lingers on" is acceptable, consider more sophisticated synonyms like "it persists" or "it endures" in formal contexts to enhance the tone and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it lingers on" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where 'it' acts as a subject and 'lingers on' serves as the verb, indicating a state of continuation or persistence. Ludwig examples illustrate this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Food

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Science & Research

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it lingers on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates something remains present or continues to have an effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts. While generally neutral in register, consider synonyms for formal writing. Common uses include describing sensations, memories, and abstract concepts, primarily in news, arts, and food-related content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it persists

Focuses on the continuation of something despite potential resistance or obstacles.

it remains present

Emphasizes the continued existence or availability of something.

it endures

Highlights the lasting quality of something over a significant period.

it stays with you

Implies a lasting impact or impression on someone.

it carries on

Suggests the continuation of an activity or process.

it hangs around

Conveys a sense of something staying in a place or situation, often unwantedly.

it sticks around

Similar to "hangs around", but slightly more informal.

it hovers

Implies a state of being suspended or lingering in the air or in one's mind.

it prolongs

Emphasizes the act of extending or lengthening something in time.

it is protracted

Suggests that something is lasting longer than necessary or expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "it lingers on" to describe a feeling, memory, or sensation that remains present for an extended period. For example, "The taste of the wine lingered on my palate."

What can I say instead of "it lingers on"?

You can use alternatives like "it persists", "it remains present", or "it endures" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it lingers on"?

Yes, "it lingers on" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English.

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

"It lingers on" typically describes a fading presence, while "it stays with you" often implies a more significant, lasting impact or emotional connection.