it was lingering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was lingering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that remains in a place or situation for a prolonged period, often evoking a sense of nostalgia or unresolved feelings. Example: "The scent of her perfume was lingering in the air long after she had left the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Maybe it was lingering grief over the death of his wife three years earlier.

The New York Times

"I couldn't pass up an opportunity to sign because it was lingering in the air what was going to happen," Ponikarovsky said.

The New York Times - Sports

In one version, it was lingering problems from back surgery, complete with speculation that his weirdness on the trail had something to do with painkillers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Okay, I admit it, I was lingering, hoping for a celebrity sighting.

The New York Times

It's lingering, and everything you did today you won't do again, so you can't learn from it".

The New York Times

Those Machines, In the News Again MAYBE it's lingering resentment over the 2000 election recount in Florida.

The New York Times

Perhaps it is lingering nostalgia for the thrill of opening a party invitation or a letter from a long-lost college friend — before we had Evite and Facebook.

The New York Times

Partly it is lingering colonial guilt, but mainly it is because the left is uneasy with notions that appear to claim superiority for majority cultural norms or which confuse the duties of citizenship with loyalty to the symbols of nationalism.

The Economist

Everyone's done something they hope no one finds out and chances are, a trace of it is lingering on a server somewhere.

Vice

Even if it is lingering or steady, it is aggravated during upright position and decreases with recumbency [ 15].

BioMed Research International

Or if it is not dead, it is lingering like a heroine in a tragic opera whose breath support in the face of a mortal wound mystifies all but the most enthusiastic suspenders of disbelief.

F1000Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was lingering" to describe something that persists in a subtle or subtle way, such as a feeling, scent, or problem. It adds a nuanced touch to your writing compared to simpler alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "it was lingering" excessively in formal or scientific writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less precise than alternatives like "it persisted" or "it remained". Use it sparingly to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was lingering" functions as a clause expressing a state of continuation or persistence. It typically describes something that remains present for a certain duration, often implying a gradual fading or unresolved quality, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was lingering" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that remains present over time, often with a subtle or unresolved quality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples primarily from news and media sources. While versatile, it's best used in neutral contexts, reserving more precise alternatives for formal or scientific writing. The related phrases offer various shades of meaning, from the simple "it remained" to the more informal "it hung around". Remember to use "it was lingering" judiciously to enhance your writing with nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remained

A simpler, more neutral way of saying something stayed.

it remained present

Replaces 'lingering' with a more direct term indicating continued existence.

it persisted

Emphasizes the continuous nature of something, suggesting it didn't easily fade away.

it continued to exist

A more verbose and formal way of expressing ongoing presence.

it stayed around

Similar to "hung around" but slightly less informal.

it hung around

More informal, implying a casual or unwanted presence.

it carried on

Suggests a continuation despite potential obstacles.

it endured

Suggests a long-lasting presence, often in the face of hardship.

it was sustained

Implies that something was actively maintained or supported.

it was protracted

Implies an unnecessary length of continuation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was lingering" in a sentence?

You can use "it was lingering" to describe something that remains present for an extended period. For example, "The smell of smoke "was lingering" in the air after the fire" or "Doubt "was lingering" in his mind despite the evidence".

What are some alternatives to "it was lingering"?

Some alternatives include "it persisted", "it remained", or "it hung around", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. For example, "it persisted" suggests something continued despite difficulty, while "it remained" simply indicates that something stayed present.

Is "it was lingering" formal or informal?

"It was lingering" is generally considered neutral in tone. While suitable for many contexts, more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "it persisted" or "it remained" for added precision.

What's the difference between "it was lingering" and "it remained"?

"It was lingering" implies a subtle or gradual continuation, often with a sense of something not fully resolved or disappearing. "It remained", on the other hand, simply states that something stayed in place or continued to exist, without necessarily implying any gradual fading or unresolved feelings.