linger very long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "linger very long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that stays in a place or situation for an extended period of time. Example: "I didn't want to linger very long at the party, as I had an early meeting the next day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I worked quickly, deliberately, following Mohammed's instructions to not linger very long in one place in order to avoid the risk of kidnapping.

The New York Times - Magazine

After all, the only gun deaths that seem to linger very long in the public consciousness either involve unignorable carnage or happen close to home.

The New Yorker

Building loyalty is key to success in selling condoms, because this is not a business where buyers linger very long to admire the packaging, read the instructions or mull the best buy.

The Guardian - Business

Younger visitors will probably not linger very long in front of the 18th-century porcelain chocolate service from Germany, a traveling set that runs to 20 pieces, or the ceramic Mayan drinking cups, although the curators have done their utmost to bring the material alive.

The New York Times - Arts

Only one major continental fragment remains on Venus today, Moore says, suggesting that the ocean didn't linger very long.

Science Magazine

But thankfully, unlike CO2 these substances don't linger very long: Methane typically sticks around only 12 years or so.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

No one lingers very long, because no incoming calls are accepted.

The New York Times

The absence of a fully furnished world keeps this particular page turner from lingering very long after the book is closed.

The New York Times - Books

With cowbells ringing in the distance and the shadow of a high cloud drifting across the valley at my feet, these weighty issues didn't linger for very long.

The New York Times

But I didn't linger there very long because I'm not paranoid by nature.

Huffington Post

That plaza was not a good setting to spark a romance, or even to linger for very long.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: this phrase is most effective when you want to convey not just the length of time, but also the lingering quality of the action or state.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "linger very long" can sound slightly informal in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated synonyms like "persist for an extended duration" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "linger very long" functions as a verb phrase emphasizing duration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and indicates that something remains present or continues for a considerable amount of time. This is demonstrated through examples where the phrase describes smells, memories, or effects that persist.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science & Research

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "linger very long" is a grammatically sound way to emphasize the extended duration of something, often with a subtle, lingering quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and notes its appearance in diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While "linger very long" is acceptable and understandable, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "remain for a considerable time" or "persist for an extended duration". Ultimately, "linger very long" is a useful phrase, best applied when you wish to stress not only time but the enduring nature of an action or state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay for an extended period

Emphasizes the duration of staying, replacing "linger" with a more direct synonym and adding "extended period" for clarity.

remain for a considerable time

Highlights the act of remaining and uses "considerable time" to underscore the duration, differing slightly in formality.

persist for a lengthy duration

Focuses on persistence and the length of the duration, suitable for contexts where continuous presence is key.

endure for an extended time

Stresses the ability to last or withstand over a long period, adding a sense of resilience.

continue for a prolonged period

Highlights the continuous nature of the action over a long duration, suitable for processes or states.

stretch out for a long time

Emphasizes the extension of time, creating a more vivid image of duration.

drag on indefinitely

Suggests a tiresome or unwelcome prolongation, differing significantly in tone.

hang around for ages

An informal way to express staying for a very long time, using colloquial language.

stick around for the long haul

Implies commitment to stay for an entire duration, often in challenging circumstances.

take a very long time to dissipate

Refers specifically to things fading or disappearing slowly, often used for effects or impressions.

FAQs

How can I use "linger very long" in a sentence?

You can use "linger very long" to describe something that remains present or continues to have an effect for an extended period. For example, "The scent of smoke seemed to "linger very long" after the fire was extinguished."

What are some alternatives to "linger very long"?

Alternatives include "stay for an extended period", "remain for a considerable time", or "persist for a lengthy duration", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "linger very long" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "linger very long" might be perceived as slightly informal in some contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "persist for an extended duration" or "remain for a prolonged period" in highly formal documents.

What's the difference between "linger very long" and "linger too long"?

"Linger very long" simply describes a duration, indicating something remained for a significant amount of time. "Linger too long", on the other hand, implies that the duration was excessive or undesirable in some way.