long since

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long since" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a significant amount of time has passed since a particular event or situation occurred. Example: "It has been long since we last met, and I hope we can catch up soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both have long since disappeared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lindsay Rogers has long since been forgotten.

The New Yorker

But you'd long since left Canada.

The New Yorker

Their fears have long since been allayed.

The New York Times

He'd long since fired the housemaids.

Huffington Post

Quotas have long since been ruled illegal.

Huffington Post

Thankfully, those days are long since over.

Vice

His prediction has long since come true.

The New York Times

SILICON VALLEY has long since gone Hollywood.

The New York Times

His thirtieth birthday has long since passed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We've long-since arrived at that future.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long since" to emphasize that something happened a considerable time ago and is no longer relevant or applicable to the current situation.

Common error

Avoid using "long since" with present tense verbs. It's used to describe something that concluded in the past. For example, say "the practice has long since been abandoned" not "the practice is long since abandoned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long since" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the time frame of a completed action or state. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. It's often used to express that something happened a significant amount of time ago, rendering it irrelevant in the present.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long since" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase to emphasize that an event occurred a considerable time ago. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using "long since", be mindful to pair it with the correct past tense to accurately convey the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "long ago" or "a long time ago" for simpler phrasing. Remember to avoid using it with present tense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long ago

A shorter, more concise alternative indicating something occurred in the past.

a long time ago

This is a simpler, more direct way of expressing that something happened in the distant past.

in the distant past

Emphasizes the remoteness in time of the event or situation.

years ago

A straightforward alternative that focuses on the number of years passed.

way back when

An informal phrase used to refer to a time long ago, often with a nostalgic tone.

back in the day

Informal way to refer to a period that is considered to be in the past, typically remembered fondly.

in bygone days

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and a time that is past.

in the olden days

Refers to a past era, often implying a significant difference from the present.

in former times

A more formal way to express something that happened in the past.

once upon a time

Typically used to start fairy tales, can also refer to a distant and often idealized past.

FAQs

What does "long since" mean?

The phrase "long since" means that something happened a considerable time ago and is no longer the case or relevant. It emphasizes the passage of time since an event occurred.

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

You can use "long since" to indicate that something happened in the past and is no longer important or valid. For example: "The technology has "long since" been replaced by newer innovations."

What are some alternatives to "long since"?

Alternatives to "long since" include phrases like "long ago", "a long time ago", or "in the distant past". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "long since" formal or informal?

"Long since" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and choose the phrasing that best suits the tone of your writing.