linger for a long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence 'linger for a long time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that remains in the mind or memory for a significant amount of time. Example sentence: The image of her beautiful smile continued to linger in my mind for a long time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The political fallout is likely to linger for a long time, especially if Bush loses Texas.

The New Yorker

That tension is likely to linger for a long time to come.

The New York Times

"If they linger for a long time in any one room, that's telling you that there is something about this room that's especially interesting to them".

The New York Times

It's dark now at Keeneland but the memory of the moment when American Pharoah charged down the straight to victory will linger for a long time.

The Guardian - Sport

It's very oily in the mouth so the taste and feeling will linger for a long time - just don't kiss anyone straight after drinking it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, the economic damage done by that episode is still being felt and may linger for a long time, consumers worry, overshadowing perceptions of economic recovery.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

When he was finished, Mr. Romney lingered for a long time, shaking hands and delivering hugs.

The New York Times

And as one might expect, the consequences of this were sudden, unpleasant, and lingered for a long time afterwards.

The Guardian

He lingered for a long time during the huge ovation that greeted him at the end: it was hard to tell if he was genuinely stunned or was savoring a moment that he had long been expecting.

The New Yorker

It lingered for a long time.

BBC

"Second-hand smoke also lingers for a long time.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sensory experiences, "linger for a long time" can effectively highlight how a particular taste, smell, or sound persists in the senses, creating a more vivid and lasting impression on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "linger for a long time" in contexts where the subject has already ceased to exist. The phrase implies ongoing influence or presence, so ensure the subject's effects are still felt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "linger for a long time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the duration of an action or state. It specifies how long something persists or remains. As Ludwig AI indicates, its use is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "linger for a long time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that effectively conveys the prolonged duration of an effect, memory, or sensation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Analysis reveals its common usage in News & Media, Encyclopedias, Science and Wiki. To enhance clarity and impact, consider synonyms such as "persist for an extended duration" or "remain present for a considerable period". When using this phrase, ensure the subject's effects are ongoing and haven't ceased, avoiding common tense-related errors. This ensures that your writing accurately reflects the enduring nature of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persist for an extended duration

Replaces 'linger' with 'persist' and 'a long time' with 'an extended duration', emphasizing continuation.

last for a significant duration

Replaces 'linger' with 'last' and 'a long time' with 'a significant duration', focusing on the extent of time something exists.

remain present for a considerable period

Substitutes 'linger' with 'remain present' and 'a long time' with 'a considerable period', highlighting continued existence.

extend for a prolonged interval

Substitutes 'linger' with 'extend' and 'a long time' with 'a prolonged interval', giving a slightly more formal tone.

continue for an indefinite duration

Uses 'continue' instead of 'linger' and 'indefinite duration' for 'a long time', stressing ongoing action without a set end.

endure for a protracted period

Employs 'endure' instead of 'linger' and 'a protracted period' for 'a long time', suggesting a challenging or difficult continuation.

stretch out over an extensive period

Uses 'stretch out' to replace 'linger', providing a more vivid image of the duration.

carry on for ages

Uses 'carry on' instead of 'linger' and 'ages' instead of 'a long time', creating a more informal and emphatic tone.

drag on for what seems like forever

Emphasizes the perceived length of time, suggesting it feels longer than it actually is.

abide for an extended time

Replaces 'linger' with 'abide' offering a somewhat antiquated feel to the expression.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "linger for a long time" in a sentence?

Use "linger for a long time" to describe something that persists or remains present beyond its initial occurrence. For example, "The scent of lavender seemed to "remain for a considerable period" after she left the room."

What are some alternatives to "linger for a long time"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "persist for an extended duration", "remain present for a considerable period", or "continue for an indefinite duration".

Is it grammatically correct to say "linger for a long time"?

Yes, "linger for a long time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

What does it mean when something is said to "linger for a long time"?

It means that the effect, memory, or sensation of something continues to be present or felt well after the initial event or experience has passed.