long career

USAGE SUMMARY

"long career" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and can be used any time you need to describe an extended period of time in which someone is employed in a particular occupation.
For example, "John had a long career in medicine and was able to contribute many breakthroughs to the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A long career isn't guaranteed.

The New York Times

Long career in textile industry.

The New York Times

"Everybody makes mistakes over a long career".

The New York Times

But his long career ended in ignominy.

The Economist

Billy enjoyed a long career in finance.

The New York Times

A long career in construction?

The New York Times

"It's been a long career.

The New York Times

"It's a long season, a long career.

The New York Times - Sports

A great career in politics=a long career, and a long career=book deals.

The New Yorker

And you're in for a long career.

Harvard Business Review

You've had a long career in business.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's professional history, using "long career" effectively communicates both the duration and the dedication involved. It suggests a substantial commitment to a particular field or profession.

Common error

While "long career" is acceptable, avoid pairing it with redundant adjectives like "very long career". Instead, consider specifying the length with phrases like "decades-long career" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long career" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "long" modifies the noun "career". Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its common use in describing the extended professional life of individuals across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long career" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an extended period of professional life, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is frequently used in news, business, and general contexts to highlight the duration and commitment associated with someone's work. While alternatives like "lengthy employment history" or "sustained work life" exist, "long career" remains a versatile and widely understood option. When using this phrase, it's best to avoid redundant adjectives and consider specifying the length for greater impact. With a neutral register, it suits a variety of communicative purposes, from biographical accounts to professional assessments. Ludwig AI demonstrates that "long career" effectively conveys the significance of dedicated service in various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decades-long career

Explicitly mentions a career spanning multiple decades.

extended professional life

Emphasizes the length and professional aspect.

lengthy employment history

Highlights the duration of employment.

sustained work life

Focuses on the continuous nature of working.

prolonged professional journey

Suggests a career as a journey over time.

extensive vocational path

Uses more formal language to describe a career.

years of service

Highlights the duration of service, often in a specific field.

considerable time in the workforce

Highlights a significant amount of time spent working.

life's work

Implies a career is a central part of someone's life.

enduring vocation

Focuses on the lasting nature of a chosen profession.

FAQs

How can I use "long career" in a sentence?

You can use "long career" to describe someone's extensive work history in a particular field. For example, "She had a "long career" in medicine, spanning over 40 years".

What are some alternatives to saying "long career"?

Alternatives include "extended professional life", "lengthy employment history", or "sustained work life", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "long career" or "lengthy career"?

Both "long career" and "lengthy career" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "Long career" is perhaps more common, but "lengthy career" is also perfectly acceptable.

How does "long career" differ from "successful career"?

"Long career" primarily emphasizes the duration of someone's professional life, while "successful career" highlights achievements and positive outcomes during that time. One can have a long career without necessarily being deemed successful, and vice versa.