it was long

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was long" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you want to describe something in terms of being lengthy in duration or size. For example, "The movie was great, but it was long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was long for its day, inside and out.

The New York Times

It was long known for its cough syrup Glycodin.

Forbes

It was long.

The New York Times - Sports

It was long in coming.

The New York Times

It was long journey home.

Independent

It was long and cold.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But gradually many became convinced that it was long-lasting.

MIT Technology Review

It was long-braised oxtail, with a baked Ratte potato.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not because it was unexpected indeed, it was long-expected.

Forbes

It was long-term cultured in E2-deprived medium.

British Journal of Cancer

It's long time".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was long" to describe the duration of an event, the length of an object, or the extent of a process. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it was long" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the reader knows what "it" refers to in the sentence to prevent confusion. For instance, instead of "It was long, and tiring", specify: "The journey was long, and tiring".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was long" primarily functions as a declarative statement, expressing a characteristic of something, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Examples show it describing duration, size, or extent. It serves to provide information or make an observation about a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was long" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe duration, length, or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, always provide a clear reference for "it". While simple, mastering its usage enhances communication by precisely conveying the characteristic of duration or size. Remember to consider alternative phrases for nuanced expression and avoid ambiguity by clearly defining the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it lasted a long time

Emphasizes the duration or continuation of something over an extended period.

it was lengthy

Highlights the extended duration or size of something.

it extended for a while

Focuses on the duration of something happening or existing.

it took a great deal of time

Highlights the amount of time required for something.

it was a drawn-out affair

Implies that something took longer than expected or desired.

it went on for ages

Suggests that something continued for a very long time, often excessively.

it was protracted

Emphasizes the extended duration of something, often in a formal context.

it was of considerable length

Focuses on the physical length or extent of something.

it occupied a large span of time

Highlights the amount of time that something filled or consumed.

it was an extensive period

Focuses on the length and breadth of a particular time.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was long" to describe the duration of an event (e.g., "The meeting was long"), the length of an object (e.g., "The road was long"), or the extent of a process (e.g., "The project was long and complex").

What are some alternatives to saying "it was long"?

You can use alternatives such as "it lasted a long time", "it was lengthy", or "it took a great deal of time" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it was long" or "it was a long time"?

Both "it was long" and "it was a long time" are grammatically correct. "It was long" is more concise and suitable when the context is clear. "It was a long time" is often used to emphasize the duration itself. For example, compare "The wait was long" and "It was a long time before we heard back".

What does "it was long overdue" mean?

"It was long overdue" means that something should have happened a considerable time ago and is only just now occurring or being addressed. For instance, "The promotion was long overdue" implies the person should have been promoted much earlier.