it will be a long time

USAGE SUMMARY

"it will be a long time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something won't happen any time soon. For example, "We won't see our friends again for a while; it will be a long time before we can all get together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"If Allègre doesn't succeed in changing French research," he says, "it will be a long time before anything will happen".

Science Magazine

The Leicester Chronicle suspected that "it will be a long time, perhaps, before we have another match so keenly contested".

Wikipedia

It will be a long time recovering.

The New Yorker

It will be a long time before anyone matches that.

The New York Times

It will be a long time before that paradigm shift".

The New York Times

It will be a long time before it is complete".

The New York Times

It will be a long time before we forget the great baby race at the Fair.

The New Yorker

It will be a long time until anyone has to worry about the next bubble.

The Economist

The good guys are winning, but it will be a long time before they triumph.

The Economist

It will be a long time, they said, before the restaurant will reopen.

The New York Times

But it will be a long time before his name disappears entirely from the record books.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it will be a long time", ensure the context clearly indicates what event or outcome is being delayed. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it will be a long time" when a more specific timeframe is known. If you know it will be approximately five years, stating "it will be five years" is more precise and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will be a long time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or entire clause. It indicates a period of extended duration before an anticipated event or change. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to express expectations about future occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

10%

Science & Research

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it will be a long time" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a considerable amount of time will pass before something happens. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its frequency is high across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic writing. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of delay and is widely understood, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Consider the context to ensure the appropriate level of formality and clarity when using this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It will be quite a while

Emphasizes the duration using "quite a while" as a substitute for "a long time".

It will take a considerable period

Replaces "long time" with a more formal "considerable period", increasing the formality of the statement.

It will be a lengthy duration

Uses "lengthy duration" to highlight the prolonged nature of the time involved.

It won't happen anytime soon

Shifts the focus to the immediacy of the event, stressing that it is not imminent.

It will be far off in the future

Emphasizes that the event is distant and not likely to occur in the near term.

The event is not expected for some time

Uses a passive construction to indicate that the expectation is for a delayed occurrence.

We have a long wait ahead

Highlights the waiting aspect, implying that patience will be required.

The situation won't resolve quickly

Focuses on the resolution of a situation, suggesting that progress will be slow.

The process will be protracted

Emphasizes the drawn-out nature of the process using the word "protracted".

It will require patience

Directly states the need for patience, implying a considerable delay.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it will be a long time" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "it will take a considerable period" or "the process will be protracted". These options replace common words with more sophisticated vocabulary.

What are some alternatives to "it will be a long time" that emphasize patience?

If you want to highlight the need for patience, consider using "it will require patience" or "we have a long wait ahead". These phrases directly address the waiting aspect.

Is "it will be a long time" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it will be a long time" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "it will take a considerable period" to maintain a scholarly tone.

How does "it will be a long time" differ from "it won't happen anytime soon"?

"It will be a long time" simply indicates a significant duration. "It won't happen anytime soon" emphasizes the lack of imminence, suggesting the event is not likely to occur in the near future.