long ongoing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long ongoing" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when describing a situation or process that has been continuing for a significant duration, but it is better to use more conventional phrasing. Example: "The long ongoing debate about climate change has yet to reach a consensus."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This will help eliminate some of the long ongoing patronage and inspire more fairness in distribution.

The New York Times

Some officials and commuters suggested that education was the solution, but this would take a long, ongoing effort.

The New York Times

"This has been a really long, ongoing process," said Connie Barclay, a spokeswoman for the fisheries service.

The New York Times

We have always believed that Ben's abduction was gypsy-related and have a long ongoing inquiry in Larissa.

The Guardian

All can seem part of a long, ongoing conflict between the values of the Enlightenment and obscurantist barbarism.

The Economist

"It was a long, ongoing problem of a disastrous and relentless indifference to my financial situation," Mr. Cohen said on Friday of the resulting legal proceedings, which awarded him $9.5 million — money he has yet to collect.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Gary Foley, whose life-long ongoing struggle for equality is revered in Indigenous Australia, has described Pearson as a "latter-day black Gordon Gecko preaching 'greed is good'", while he views Mundine, to whom he is related, as "the white sheep of our family".

The Guardian - Opinion

The development of RTS,S is one of the longest ongoing vaccine projects in history, dating back to 1984, as a combined venture between GlaxoSmithKline and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

The New Yorker

One of the longest ongoing developments is the LaBr3 prototype scanner at the University of Pennsylvania.

EJNMMI Physics

On that day, US bombers and submarines began the longest ongoing war in US history.

Huffington Post

This month Drawn and Quarterly releases a hardcover collection of one of DeForge's longest ongoing stories, Sticks Angelica, Folk Hero.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "long ongoing" is understandable, consider stronger alternatives like "prolonged" or "sustained" for more impactful writing. For example, instead of "a long ongoing debate", try "a prolonged debate".

Common error

Avoid using "long ongoing" when "long-term" or "ongoing" alone adequately convey the intended meaning. "Long-term efforts" or "ongoing investigations" are often more concise and professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long ongoing" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes something that has both a significant duration ('long') and is currently in progress ('ongoing'). According to Ludwig AI, the phrase isn't standard and might sound awkward.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "long ongoing" is understandable and used to describe something with both extended duration and continuous progress, it's often considered somewhat redundant. Ludwig AI identifies it as not standard and potentially awkward. Its usage appears mostly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. For improved clarity and impact, consider alternatives like "prolonged", "sustained", or more concise phrases such as "long-term" or "ongoing" on their own. The key is to prioritize clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prolonged

Focuses on the extended duration of something, often implying a drawn-out or extended period.

extended duration

Highlights the length of time that something lasts, emphasizing its prolonged nature.

lengthy duration

Similar to "extended duration", but may emphasize the significant length of the period.

protracted

Implies that something has been unnecessarily drawn out, often suggesting difficulty or complexity.

sustained

Highlights that something has been maintained or continued at a certain level over time.

long-lasting

Emphasizes the enduring nature of something, indicating it has existed for a significant period and is likely to continue.

enduring

Similar to "long-lasting", but can also imply resilience or the ability to withstand challenges over time.

persistent

Highlights the continuous nature of something, often despite obstacles or resistance.

continuing

Simply indicates that something is still in progress, without necessarily emphasizing the length of time.

unremitting

Highlights the uninterrupted and relentless nature of something, often suggesting a negative or challenging situation.

FAQs

Is "long ongoing" grammatically correct?

While understandable, the phrase "long ongoing" can sound redundant. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is not standard in written English and may sound awkward. Consider alternatives like "prolonged" or "sustained" for improved clarity.

What's a more concise alternative to "long ongoing"?

Depending on the context, "long-term", "ongoing", or a single adjective like "prolonged" or "sustained" may be sufficient. For instance, instead of "long ongoing efforts", try "long-term efforts" or "sustained efforts".

How can I use "long ongoing" in a sentence effectively?

If you choose to use "long ongoing", ensure it clearly emphasizes both the duration and the continuous nature of the subject. However, stronger alternatives exist to express the same idea more effectively.

Are there contexts where "long ongoing" is more appropriate than others?

While not generally preferred, "long ongoing" might be used in informal contexts or when emphasizing both the extended duration and continuous nature of something. However, in formal writing, consider alternatives such as "prolonged" or "long-lasting".