lingering presence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lingering presence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that continues to affect or be felt in a particular place or situation, even after they are no longer physically present. Example: The scent of lavender still filled the room, a lingering presence of her mother's perfume. In this sentence, the phrase "lingering presence" is used to describe the enduring impact of the mother's perfume in the room, even though the mother is not physically present.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

(Activists said that this is because of the lingering presence of pro-regime informants and spies).

The New York Times

Now, in their funk, the lingering presence of cortisol makes them irrationally fearful, negative and risk averse.

The New York Times

But at least it suggested the lingering presence of, if not quite a conscience, at least a sense of shame.

The New Yorker

Another dubious benefit: the lingering presence of the Dean deep into après hour, awkwardly accounting for earlier indifference.

The Guardian - Books

One of Stellman's is a book project on Agent Orange, its lingering presence in environments around the world and the paucity of data on its effects.

Columbia University

At just 25, his youthful looks were elevated by his lingering presence, making him much more than just a very pretty face.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The best new plays to open on Broadway, Michael Frayn's "Copenhagen" and Claudia Shear's "Dirty Blonde," summoned the lingering presences of long-dead real-life figures -- the movie star Mae West ("Dirty Blonde") and the physicists Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg ("Copenhagen") -- to figure out what made them run and how they shaped the world around them.

The New York Times

Hard-line skeptics such as my writing partner on Ghostbusters, Harold Ramis, believe that the invisible world can not reasonably encompass these lingering presences, their occasional appearances to us and their subsequent actions.

Huffington Post

But even now many Tamils still cannot return home because of the danger of landmines and the lingering military presence.

The Economist

Even today, with formerly repressive nations promoting individual liberty, the scourge that the playwright first identified in the 1950's remains a lingering global presence.

The New York Times

Moreover, I am certain that in recent years America's lingering troop presence in Iraq actually gave Iran greater influence in Baghdad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lingering presence" to convey a sense of something that remains felt or noticed even after the source is gone. It's effective for describing emotions, influences, or physical remnants.

Common error

While "lingering presence" is appropriate in formal writing and news, it can sound overly dramatic or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "still here" or "remains" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lingering presence" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something that persists or remains noticeable. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, highlighting its role in conveying continuity or persistence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lingering presence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that effectively communicates the continuing effect or existence of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile, appearing often in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts. While adaptable, writers should consider its formality and aim for simplicity in casual settings. Alternatives like "continuing effect" or "enduring impact" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance. Its primary function is to emphasize the lasting impact or enduring quality of a subject, making it a valuable tool for descriptive and analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Persistent influence

Highlights the ongoing power or sway something holds.

Enduring impact

Stresses the lasting effect over time.

Continuing effect

Focuses on the ongoing impact rather than the physical or abstract existence.

Lasting impression

Highlights the memorable aspect of the presence.

Residual effect

Focuses on the after-effects or consequences.

Remaining vestige

Emphasizes that only a trace or remnant remains.

Sustained existence

Highlights the continuous being or survival of something.

Lingering shadow

Emphasizes the negative or ominous aspect of the continuing presence.

Unfading memory

Focuses on the persistence of a memory or recollection.

Persistent echo

Highlights that something evokes the original sound/impact.

FAQs

How can I use "lingering presence" in a sentence?

You can use "lingering presence" to describe something that continues to be felt or noticed. For example, "The "lingering presence of fear" affected her decisions long after the event."

What are some alternatives to "lingering presence"?

Alternatives include "continuing effect", "persistent influence", or "enduring impact", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "lingering presence" a formal or informal phrase?

"Lingering presence" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic writing, news reports, and professional communication. It might sound out of place in casual conversation.

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

"Lingering presence" suggests a continuing effect or feeling, while "remaining vestige" implies that only a trace or remnant remains. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize continuity or reduction.