it will be long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will be long" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an event, process, or duration that is expected to take a significant amount of time. Example: "The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, but I have to warn you, it will be long due to the number of topics we need to cover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Mason tells me that Upload is not currently taking any equity in these startups, but given the company's growing network and this latest LA expansion I really can't imagine it will be long before Upload puts on its investor hat.

TechCrunch

IT WILL be long.

The Economist

"It will be long.

The New Yorker

"Whether it will be long lasting, I cannot say".

The New York Times - Science

"I don't think it will be long," he said.

The New York Times

"It will be long remembered in the annals of our country," Gray wrote of the revolt.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"But it will be long-form television," Ms. Solomon said.

The New York Times

"He had reconstruction of his ligaments, so it will be long-term".

BBC

But whatever the reasons behind the new-found government frugality, many are hoping that it will be long-lasting.

BBC

Edwards: I don't know, but it will be long-winded.

Huffington Post

Is it something you see as temporary or are you concerned that it will be long-term?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it will be long", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. Ambiguity can confuse your reader. For example, specify "the meeting will be long" instead of just "it will be long".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it will be long" can sound somewhat formal or vague in casual conversation. Opt for more specific and relatable alternatives like "it'll take a while" or "it's going to be ages" to better suit informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will be long" primarily functions as a statement predicting the duration of an event, process, or state. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to inform or warn about the expected length of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it will be long" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate that something is expected to take a significant amount of time. According to Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English, while some alternatives can work better in more informal settings.

Analysis of Ludwig examples shows its prevalence in news and media, but also its presence in scientific and general contexts. While versatile, clarity is essential: ensure 'it' refers clearly to the subject whose duration is being discussed. Consider context and choose alternatives such as "it'll take a while" for informal situations. "It will be long" is a useful and acceptable way to discuss duration across many communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will take a long time

Emphasizes the duration using the verb 'take' instead of 'be'.

it will last a long while

Replaces "be long" with "last a long while", focusing on the duration of something.

it will be a lengthy process

Substitutes "long" with "lengthy process", highlighting the nature of the activity.

it will extend for a considerable period

Uses a more formal tone and vocabulary to convey the prolonged duration.

it will stretch out for quite some time

Emphasizes the idea of time extending or unfolding.

it will go on for an extended duration

Focuses on the continuous nature of the event over a longer period.

it's going to be a drawn-out affair

Implies a process that is unnecessarily prolonged or tedious.

the duration will be significant

Uses more technical language to describe the substantial length of time.

it will not be short

Expresses the same idea by negating the opposite.

expect a prolonged period

Shifts the focus to anticipation of an extended time frame.

FAQs

How can I use "it will be long" in a sentence?

You can use "it will be long" to describe the duration of an event or process. For instance, "The journey "it will be long" due to the traffic" or "The recovery process "it will be long", but we expect a full return to health".

What's a more informal way to say "it will be long"?

In informal settings, you could say "it'll take a while", "it's going to take ages", or "it won't be quick". These alternatives are more conversational and less formal than ""it will be long"".

Is "it will be a long time" the same as "it will be long"?

While similar, "it will be a long time" is slightly more specific and emphasizes the duration. "It will be long" is a more general statement about something extending in duration, whereas the first explicitly talks about time.

When is it appropriate to use "it will be long"?

The phrase ""it will be long"" is suitable when you want to convey that something will take a considerable amount of time, or have a substantial duration, and when the context is reasonably clear or has already been established.