lengthy relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lengthy relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that has lasted for a long time, whether it be romantic, professional, or platonic. Example: "After a lengthy relationship, they decided to part ways amicably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Grubbs told Us Weekly she conducted a lengthy relationship with Woods shortly after the 2007 Masters - two months before Woods' wife gave birth to their first child.

Independent

The inevitable conflict between Maschler's ambition and Deutsch's unwillingness to cede any control ensured it would never be a lengthy relationship.

The Guardian - Books

"History, which used to be written about princes and potentates, has become more personal," acknowledges MacLean, and it's clear that his desire to write about Berlin stems from his own lengthy relationship with the place.

The Guardian - Books

After the break up of his marriage to German painter Lena Gieseke, Burton, 43, enjoyed a lengthy relationship with Smith, who he cast in four of his films (Mars Attacks, Sleepy Hollow, Ed Wood and Apes).

The Guardian - Film

She had a lengthy relationship after meeting someone on a dating website, but appears to have been duped by Mr Bhayani whom she described as "one of the good guys".

Independent

Nearly half of the interview involved questions about the president's lengthy relationship with Mr. Riady, a generous political patron of the president who, the prosecutor suggested, had bragged to Indonesian government ministers that his family enjoyed a "direct pipeline to the Oval Office".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

And the kind of questions that surround lengthy relationships – what is it to live with another person for a long time?

The Guardian - Books

The lengthy relationships and frequent contacts that she and her staff have with 20 "specialist" banks that buy securities from the Treasury in the primary market matter most when markets are skittish.Before auction announcements Ms Cannata and her team sound the specialists out, and seek further confirmation of bidding intentions when conditions are volatile.

The Economist

Signing massive contracts for sizable defense equipment purchases can help establish lengthy relationships between nations.

Vice

He had a lengthy, tumultuous relationship with a milliner.

The Economist

They prepare themselves for a lengthy, meditative relationship with the image.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lengthy relationship" when you want to emphasize the duration of a bond between people or entities, whether it is romantic, professional, or familial. Ensure the context supports the implication of a significant period of time.

Common error

Avoid using "lengthy relationship" when describing a brief or casual encounter. The phrase is most effective when the extended duration of the relationship is a key aspect of the narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy relationship" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "lengthy" modifies the noun "relationship". This construction describes the characteristic of a connection or association being of considerable duration. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

26%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lengthy relationship" effectively conveys the idea of a connection that has persisted over a significant period, often implying a history or impact associated with that duration. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in News & Media, and Science. While "lengthy relationship" is suitable for various contexts, it's important to consider alternatives like "long-term relationship" or "extended relationship" to fine-tune the specific nuance you intend to communicate. Using the phrase accurately ensures that you emphasize the importance of the duration to your readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-lasting relationship

Replaces 'lengthy' with 'long-lasting', emphasizing the duration and stability of the relationship.

long-term relationship

A common alternative focusing on the extended duration of the relationship.

extended relationship

Uses 'extended' instead of 'lengthy', highlighting the prolonged nature of the relationship.

protracted relationship

Suggests a relationship that has been drawn out, potentially longer than expected.

enduring relationship

Implies a relationship that has withstood challenges and lasted a significant time.

established relationship

Focuses on the relationship being firmly in place over time.

long-running relationship

Similar to 'long-lasting', but can also suggest a relationship with ongoing developments.

significant relationship

Highlights the importance and impact of the relationship over a period of time.

lengthy association

Replaces "relationship" with the word "association", making it a more formal option.

long-standing connection

This phrase replaces both words in the QUERY, and may suggest that the people involved have known each other for years.

FAQs

What does "lengthy relationship" mean?

A "lengthy relationship" refers to a connection between people or entities that has lasted for a considerable amount of time, implying a history and duration of engagement.

What can I say instead of "lengthy relationship"?

Alternatives include "long-term relationship", "long-lasting relationship", or "extended relationship", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "lengthy relationship" formal or informal?

"Lengthy relationship" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "established relationship" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

How do I use "lengthy relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "lengthy relationship" in sentences like: "After a lengthy relationship, they decided to pursue separate paths", or "The company benefited from a lengthy relationship with its key supplier".