long hours

USAGE SUMMARY

"long hours" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when discussing the amount of time needed to accomplish a task or activity. For example, "I'm feeling stressed out from working long hours at the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She works long hours.

The New York Times

Long hours, poor wages.

The New York Times

She complains of long hours.

The Economist

"It's long hours.

The Guardian

So are long hours.

The New York Times

"He works long hours.

The New York Times

I worked long hours at the university.

The New York Times

Even then Cravath lawyers worked long hours.

The New York Times

We both drive a bus long hours.

The New York Times

But many workers also want long hours.

The New York Times

Long hours, "small" wage, "poor" working conditions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "long hours", consider the emotional impact it has on individuals. Describing feelings of exhaustion, stress, or dedication can add depth and authenticity to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "long hours" always equate to higher productivity or success. Acknowledge the potential for burnout, decreased efficiency, and negative impacts on work-life balance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long hours" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally to describe activities or work schedules that require a significant time commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is acceptable in written English and is commonly used to discuss time allocation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long hours" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe activities or work schedules requiring significant time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's acceptable for describing the amount of time needed for a task. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media" and "Academia", suggesting its relevance across various contexts. While alternatives like "extended work periods" or "lengthy shifts" exist, "long hours" remains a versatile and widely understood choice. When using this phrase, consider specifying the context and potential impact to provide a more nuanced and informative description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive working days

Focuses specifically on the length of the workday.

extended work periods

Replaces "hours" with a more formal noun phrase, focusing on the duration of work.

lengthy shifts

Specifically refers to work shifts, implying a structured work schedule.

protracted working time

Uses more formal vocabulary to emphasize the extended nature of the work.

substantial time investment

Frames the time spent as an investment, often used in the context of projects or learning.

considerable time expenditure

A more formal way of expressing that a significant amount of time is being used.

demanding time commitments

Highlights the obligation and effort involved in dedicating significant time.

grueling work schedule

Emphasizes the exhausting and demanding nature of the long hours.

around-the-clock schedule

Emphasizes continuous work with minimal breaks.

very long time

This is a more generic way of conveying that something takes a significant duration, without being work specific

FAQs

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

You can use "long hours" to describe work schedules, study habits, or any activity that requires a significant time commitment. For example, "She dedicated "long hours" to perfecting her craft" or "The project required "long hours" of research".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "long hours"?

Alternatives include "extended work periods", "lengthy shifts", or "substantial time investment", depending on the context.

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

"Long hours" is more commonly used and generally preferred in most contexts. "Lengthy hours" is also correct but sounds more formal and less natural. The choice depends on the desired tone.

What are the potential effects of working "long hours"?

Working "long hours" can lead to increased stress, burnout, decreased productivity, and negative impacts on physical and mental health. It's important to balance work and personal life for overall well-being.