lingers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lingers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that remains in a place or continues to exist for a longer time than expected, often evoking a sense of nostalgia or lingering feelings. Example: "The scent of her perfume lingers in the air long after she has left the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He took it as a personal affront the last time he was removed from the team and, whether it is true or not that he was the instigator of all those corrosive dressing-room leaks, the memory still lingers of José Mourinho's first day back at Chelsea and his change in body language when I asked him about the consequences and rancour of favouring Diego López.

The Guardian - Sport

Napster, I was surprised to find, lingers on in 2013.

The Guardian - Music

Or even a new contender from the last few weeks as a strangely callow, strangely careworn, England team find themselves still menaced by the cricketing equivalent of the dead man in Yossarian's tent: the airman who turned up one day, was immediately shot down, and three years on still lingers about the place.

The Guardian - Sport

These are lovely moments, but a question lingers – when does England get to move on too?

The Guardian - Opinion

The scene which lingers most in the mind is when Georgia Lorrison (Lana Turner), who has just triumphed in a Shields movie, leaves a party to be with him at his Hollywood mansion.

The Guardian - Film

Deep resentment lingers against both.

The Guardian

In 2006 too much of finance was gambling, pure and simple; and too much of the bill ended up with taxpayers.This helps explain why a feeling of unfairness lingers across the West visible in the streets of Athens, but also in the pages of Thomas Piketty.

The Economist

Tensions, however, have been exacerbated by the seething mistrust that lingers between both parties 22 years after the end of the civil war in 1992.That loathing is still palpable.

The Economist

But there lingers a memory of when it felt it was a financial hostage to the world, and this helps explain the whiff of panic now in the air.

The Economist

It's wonderful to listen to Mr Wilders pronounce the word linkse ("left"); he lingers on the "l" in a marvellously contemptuous fashion, every bit the stylistic equal of Rush Limbaugh.

The Economist

But, in Arab hearts if not in Arab heads, the idea of unity lingers mischievously on.If not unity, why not co-operation?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lingers" to subtly convey a sense of something remaining present, often with a gentle or nostalgic connotation. It's particularly effective when describing memories, scents, or emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "lingers" excessively in formal or technical writing, where more direct alternatives like "remains" or "persists" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lingers" is as an intransitive verb, typically used in the third-person singular present tense. It describes the action of remaining or staying longer than expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lingers" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb that describes something persisting or remaining longer than anticipated. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral register and is effective for conveying gentle persistence or gradual fading. When writing, ensure that "lingers" accurately reflects the subtle nuance of remaining present, and consider more direct alternatives like "remains" or "persists" in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains

Indicates a continued presence or existence, similar to "lingers" but without necessarily implying a gradual fading or reluctance to leave.

persists

Implies a continued existence or effect, often in the face of resistance or difficulty. More forceful than "lingers".

endures

Suggests a prolonged existence, often withstanding challenges or hardships. Carries a stronger sense of resilience compared to "lingers".

stays

Indicates a continued presence in a place or state. More general and less evocative than "lingers".

continues

Simply denotes an ongoing action or state. Lacks the nuance of lingering hesitation or slow disappearance.

hovers

Suggests a state of being suspended or wavering in a place, closely related to the 'remaining' aspect of lingers.

tarries

Implies a deliberate delay in leaving, often with a sense of enjoyment or reluctance. More intentional than "lingers".

remains present

More descriptive and less concise, explicitly stating the continued presence of something.

stays behind

Highlights the act of not leaving, focusing on the physical aspect of remaining in a place or condition.

abides

Suggests a more permanent or lasting presence, often used in formal or archaic contexts. Stronger connotation than "lingers".

FAQs

How can I use "lingers" in a sentence?

You can use "lingers" to describe something that remains or persists, such as "The scent of lavender "lingers" in the room" or "A feeling of unease "lingers" after the event".

What can I say instead of "lingers"?

You can use alternatives like "remains", "persists", or "endures" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the memory still lingers"?

Yes, "the memory still lingers" is a perfectly correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that a memory remains present and impactful over time.

What's the difference between "lingers" and "remains"?

"Lingers" often implies a gradual fading or a reluctance to leave, while "remains" simply indicates a continued presence without these connotations.