long past

USAGE SUMMARY

"long past" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an earlier time that is no longer relevant. For example, "We left the argument long past and moved on with our lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Long past ready.

The New Yorker

It's long past time.

The New York Times

Those times seem long past.

The New York Times - Arts

Those days are long past.

The New York Times

Crace seems long past caring.

The New Yorker

But those days are long past.

The New York Times

I am now long past those things.

The New York Times

Long past due, some would say.

The New York Times

It is long past High Noon.

The New York Times - Arts

He is long past that now.

The New York Times - Sports

The time for reassurance is long past.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, consider pairing "long past" with stronger verbs or adverbs to highlight the degree to which something is outdated, for instance: 'The era of typewriters is "long past" forgotten'.

Common error

Avoid using "long past" when simply indicating a previous event without emphasizing its irrelevance to the present. Opt for alternatives like "previously" or "earlier" if the past event still holds some bearing on the current situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long past" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a time, event, or state that is no longer relevant or significant. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in written English, as demonstrated by various examples in news and academic sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long past" functions as an adjectival phrase used to emphasize the irrelevance or remoteness of a previous time or event. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and suitable for use in written English, appearing most frequently in news and media contexts. When using "long past", it's important to ensure that the emphasis on irrelevance is intentional and aligns with the overall message. Alternatives such as "well in the past" or "ancient history" can offer slightly different nuances. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively leverage "long past" to add depth and clarity to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well in the past

Emphasizes the idea that something is definitely over and done with, with a slightly stronger sense of finality.

far behind us

Suggests that something has been left behind and is no longer a concern or influence.

ancient history

Implies that something is very old and no longer relevant to current events.

bygone era

Refers to a time period that is long gone, often with a sense of nostalgia.

a thing of the past

Indicates that something no longer exists or happens.

in the distant past

Highlights the remoteness in time of a particular event or situation.

of yesteryear

Evokes a sense of something belonging to a previous, often idealized, time.

relic of the past

Implies that something is an outdated remnant of a previous time.

outdated

Directly conveys that something is no longer current or useful.

antiquated

Similar to outdated, but suggests something is old-fashioned and possibly unsuitable for modern use.

FAQs

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

You can use "long past" to indicate that something happened a considerable time ago and is no longer relevant, such as "Those concerns are "long past" now" or "The time for debate is "long past"".

What phrases are similar to "long past"?

Alternatives to "long past" include "well in the past", "far behind us", or "ancient history" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I not use "long past"?

Avoid using "long past" if you simply want to refer to something that happened in the past without emphasizing its irrelevance. In those cases, using words like "previously" or "earlier" may be more appropriate.

Is "long past" formal or informal?

"Long past" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often found in journalistic and narrative writing. Consider the tone of your piece to make sure the level of formality matches your intention.