lingering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lingering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that continues for a long time, usually in a way that is annoying or worrying. For example: "The lingering smell of smoke filled the room after the fire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jezebel, the popular women's website, has posted a story, describing in lingering detail, the much-feared-but-never-spoken-of experience of forgetting to remove a tampon (after 10 days it smelled of "rotting fish meets sewage meets Black Death").

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Quite what Bolt did or didn't say during a snatched conversation with a reporter may remain a matter of dispute, but if the Jamaican had thought the games "a bit shit" at one point, by the time he bowed out on Saturday night he was praising the "crazy energy" Glasgow had to offer, with the Scottish weather the only lingering disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

Unusually laced with wheat malt, which gives it a thicker mouthfeel and a notably earthy, grainy aspect, this hits you with a triple whammy of big, sweet, juicy caramelised malts; then unsweetened grapefruit, pepper and lemon notes; and finally a lingering bitterness that rolls on and on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mclean has just spent the day training in perfect conditions and followed a photoshoot in the sunshine with an ice bath to soothe any lingering bruises as she prepares to fly to Rio de Janeiro this week for an international sevens tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

The aim now is to get through the week without any lingering bitterness".

The Guardian

Clinton already has a built-in edge with black voters due in no insignificant part to the lingering problems Republicans face with minorities.

The Guardian

Then the camera goes its own way, and shows, without lingering on them, burning bodies hanging from trees.

The Guardian - Film

Plus, there are more unnecessary lingering shots of Bullock in her underwear than you'd find of models in a Pirelli calendar.

The Guardian - Film

Huge crowds have stayed on at Hyde Park and they give lingering applause to Jonny Brownlee (who seems to have recovered and is now smiling), Javier Gomez and Alistair Brownlee, who grits his teeth and throws his hands to the sky as he collects his gold.

The Guardian - Sport

I'd like to know if they could look me in the eye and tell me that they are determined to ensure that I have a lingering and very unpleasant death.

The Guardian

The lingering image, though, is one of sadness.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lingering" to describe something that persists longer than expected, often with a negative connotation, such as "lingering doubts" or "lingering pain".

Common error

Avoid using "lingering" to describe something that is momentary or fleeting. "Lingering" implies a duration that extends beyond what is normal or desirable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lingering" is as a present participle or gerund, often modifying nouns to describe something that continues or remains present. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "lingering" is a versatile term often employed to describe something that continues or remains present beyond an anticipated or desired duration. As verified by Ludwig AI, its grammatical standing is correct and its usage is widespread, particularly within News & Media contexts. When using "lingering", it's important to consider the connotation of extended duration. While synonyms such as "remaining" or "continuing" exist, "lingering" often carries an implication of something unwelcome or unexpectedly prolonged. By mastering its nuances, you can effectively enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Be aware of the subtle, negative connotation associated with the term and use this knowledge to give added depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persisting

Emphasizes the stubborn continuation despite potential resistance.

remaining present

Focuses on the continued presence rather than the drawn-out duration.

remaining

Highlights the act of staying in a particular place or condition.

continuing

A more general term for something that is going on without stopping.

staying

Similar to remaining, but can imply a more temporary continuation.

drawing out

Implies extending the duration, often artificially or unnecessarily.

dragging on

Suggests a tedious or unwelcome continuation.

protracting

Highlights the act of lengthening something, usually in a formal context.

enduring

Focuses on withstanding or surviving over a long period.

unwavering

Emphasizes firmness and persistence without variation.

FAQs

How can I use "lingering" in a sentence?

You can use "lingering" to describe something that continues to exist for a longer time than expected, like "The "lingering effects" of the recession" or "a "lingering smell" of smoke".

What's the difference between "lingering" and "remaining"?

"Lingering" often implies something stays longer than desired or expected, often with a negative connotation, while "remaining" simply indicates that something continues to exist or be present without the same implication of extended duration or negativity.

What are some synonyms for "lingering"?

Alternatives to "lingering" include "persisting", "remaining", or "continuing", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "lingering questions"?

Yes, "lingering questions" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It means that there are still questions that need to be answered or that have not been fully resolved.