linger there

USAGE SUMMARY

"linger there" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe staying in a place longer than necessary or desired. Example: "After the meeting, I decided to linger there for a while, enjoying the quiet." Alternative expressions include "stay there" and "remain there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He did not linger there long.

The Guardian - Books

Did they hurry through a square, or linger there?

The New Yorker

Let us linger there, not rush past it".

The New York Times - Books

Best to bypass these too, though it's easy to imagine what ghosts may linger there.

The New York Times - Travel

Held up in parliament, it may linger there for years, along with many other bills.

The Economist

DiDonato can hit a high C, but prefers not to linger there.

The New Yorker

He did not linger there and later spoke of it in tones of disillusionment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I prefer the rocking chairs, and linger there, enjoying the changing light.

The New York Times - Arts

One can linger there a while without fear of being embalmed.

The New York Times

Stupor set in, and it seemed as though one could linger there all evening.

The New Yorker

The pillars serve now as leaning posts for members of the Link Community who linger there to exchange gossip.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "linger there" to create a sense of lingering or prolonged presence, often suggesting a feeling of comfort, reluctance to leave, or a sense of something remaining in a place.

Common error

Avoid using "linger there" when a simple "stay" or "remain" suffices. "Linger there" carries a connotation of either reluctance to leave or a more prolonged, almost haunting presence. Make sure the context justifies this nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "linger there" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of remaining in a particular location for an extended period. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in various contexts, suggesting a prolonged or reluctant stay.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Linger there" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase that describes staying in a place longer than necessary. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While generally acceptable in formal writing, be mindful of its connotation, as it implies reluctance to leave or a prolonged presence. Alternatives like "remain there" or "stay behind" can provide a more neutral option if needed. This aligns with Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain there

Suggests a more static and prolonged presence in a particular location.

stay behind

Focuses on remaining in a place after others have left, implying a deliberate choice to not depart.

stay put

Emphasizes remaining in the current location and avoiding movement, implying stability.

prolong stay

Highlights the act of extending the duration of one's presence, implying a conscious decision to remain longer.

delay departure

Highlights the act of postponing leaving a place, indicating a temporary extension of stay.

extend visit

Specifically refers to lengthening a visit, indicating a predetermined period that is now being increased.

tarry there

Implies a leisurely or dilatory stay, often with a sense of enjoyment or reluctance to leave.

hang around

Suggests an informal and casual stay, often without a specific purpose or agenda.

loiter there

Implies remaining in a place without a clear purpose, sometimes with a negative connotation.

dawdle there

Suggests a slow and unhurried pace of staying, often due to distraction or lack of motivation to leave.

FAQs

What does "linger there" mean?

"Linger there" means to stay in a place longer than is necessary or expected, often because of a desire to remain or a reluctance to leave. It suggests a prolonged presence.

What are some synonyms for "linger there"?

Alternatives to "linger there" include "stay behind", "remain there", or "hang around", depending on the context and desired nuance.

How can I use "linger there" in a sentence?

You might say, "The scent of lavender seemed to linger there even after she had left the room" or "He didn't want to linger there any longer than necessary."

Is it correct to use "linger there" in formal writing?

"Linger there" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider the connotation. If a more neutral term is needed, use "remain there" or "stay there".