linger

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'linger' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use 'linger' to describe the act of staying in a certain place, or staying in a certain state for longer than expected. For example: The scent of her perfume lingered in the air long after she had left.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Calle Argantonio 3, [phone], hotelargantonio.es, doubles from €85 Hotel La Casa del Califa, Vejer Hope for rain and curl up in an armchair with a book, linger over lunch in the atmospheric restaurant, watch clouds scudding over the pile of white blocks, domes and church towers that make up this spectacular town.

The Guardian - Travel

And if you don't want to order dinner at Lloyd's, you can linger beyond sunset and shell out for dinner at the main restaurant, which has a modern twist on Caribbean fare.

The Guardian - Travel

There is not a great deal to see in Ravello, apart from its two villas - the ruined Rufulo, which has open-air concerts in the evenings, and the Cimbrone with its lush gardens overlooking the sea - but it is pleasant just to ramble through the cobbled lanes or linger over a drink in a café on the main square.

The Guardian - Travel

Though she has now suspended her campaign, Bachmann's influence might still linger when it comes to family tactics.

The Guardian

Then you can linger for as long as you like over mini pastries and coffee.

The Guardian - Travel

A decade and a bit of daily political reporting sets you up well for that: it requires you to enter a world without sense and linger there, consuming and forgiving the madness, for much longer than you should.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Few tourists linger around the rusting transporter bridge while strolling around the colourful Buenos Aires suburb of La Boca.

The Guardian - Travel

(Or was that just the Moro reflex?) I didn't linger in the hospital – but no one can wait to get out of there these days, can they?

The Guardian - Opinion

Nowhere will the political players be watched more closely than from Lampedusa, where the coffins of the 3 October victims have gone, but the memories linger.

The Guardian

Obviously some companies have the online reputation they deserve, but an unjustified, malicious or obsolete complaint may linger for years, blighting every new query.

The Guardian - Tech

Dickson is only England's fourth-choice scrum-half, Richard Wigglesworth of Saracens having overtaken him in the pecking order, but it was the moment of the game that will linger longest in the memory.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "linger" to evoke a sense of atmosphere or emotional resonance, particularly when describing memories, scents, or feelings that persist over time.

Common error

Avoid using "linger" in highly technical or scientific writing where precise terminology is favored. Opt for more specific verbs that accurately describe the duration or persistence of a phenomenon.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "linger" is as an intransitive verb. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in describing the act of staying longer than necessary or expected in a place or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Travel

13%

Opinion

7%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Tech

2%

Money

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "linger" functions as an intransitive verb that describes the act of staying longer than necessary or expected in a place or state. Ludwig AI confirms that "linger" is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, travel writing, and opinion pieces. When writing, "linger" can be used to evoke a sense of atmosphere or emotional resonance. Related terms include "remain behind", "tarry", and "persist". It is important to avoid overuse in technical contexts where precision is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain behind

Focuses specifically on the act of staying after others have left.

tarry

Emphasizes a deliberate delay in leaving a place.

stay on

Highlights continued presence in a location or situation.

dawdle

Implies slow and aimless movement or delay.

loiter

Suggests remaining in a public place without any clear purpose.

prolong one's stay

Explicitly indicates extending the duration of a visit or stay.

stick around

An informal way of saying to remain in a place.

hang about

Indicates spending time idly in a place.

continue to exist

Shifts the focus to the continuation of a state or condition rather than a physical location.

persist

Emphasizes the enduring quality of something, often used for problems or feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "linger" in a sentence?

You can use "linger" to describe remaining in a place longer than expected, or for a feeling or memory that stays with you. For example, "The smell of rain "lingered" in the air after the storm."

What can I say instead of "linger"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "linger" include "remain behind", "tarry", or "persist". Choose the word that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'linger on'?

Yes, "linger on" is a valid phrasal verb. It means to continue to exist, be noticeable, or have an effect for longer than is usual or desirable. For instance, "The effects of the recession "linger on"."

What's the difference between "linger" and "loiter"?

"Linger" suggests a gentle or wistful staying, while "loiter" often implies remaining in a place for no good reason, sometimes with negative connotations.