long standing affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long standing affair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or situation that has persisted for a significant amount of time. Example: "Their long standing affair became the talk of the town, as it had lasted for over a decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Frances has had a long-standing affair with Jimmy Conroy, principal of the school where she has taught for many years.

The New Yorker

Richard Perceval Graves, the author of the most excitable account of the poet's life, spends pages on a Venetian gondolier named Andrea, with whom Housman is said (we have no direct evidence) to have had a long-standing affair.

The New Yorker

The emphasis is not on Trierweiler's love life (or on the fact that she had a long-standing affair with a married man), that is entirely her business, but on how they claim she manages it.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was admitted after allegations emerged that her partner, President Francois Hollande, was having a long-standing affair with the French actress Julie Gayet.

BBC

Hastings has a long-standing affair with Dr. Hale, creating an alliance that doesn't always bode well for Dr. Foster and Mary.

Huffington Post

While the majority of the album's songs were conceived by Ware, I Want You was transformed into a biographical centerpiece for Gaye, who was then in a volatile marriage with Anna Gordy, sister to Berry Gordy, and also in a long-standing affair with Janis Hunter, who would later become the mother of his two youngest children.

Wikipedia

British culture has a long-standing love affair with islands.

The Guardian - Books

Rackham Perfumeries is a long-standing family affair struggling to make the tricky transition into the age of mass production.

The Guardian - Books

But there are many pleasures in the curator Roxana Marcoci's stimulating survey of the long-standing love affair between the two mediums.

The New Yorker

"There are many pleasures in the curator Roxana Marcoci's stimulating survey of the long-standing love affair between the two mediums," Aletti writes.

The New Yorker

(It also has an impressive geek pedigree: Walter Schirra took one into space on the Mercury rocket, in 1962, igniting NASA's long-standing love affair with the company, which is based in Sweden).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long standing affair", be mindful of the connotations. It often implies secrecy or disapproval, so choose your words carefully depending on the context and audience.

Common error

Don't assume that a "long standing affair" automatically implies deep emotional connection. Focus on the longevity, not necessarily the intensity, of the relationship when using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long standing affair" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective phrase ("long standing"). It typically refers to a romantic relationship that has persisted for a considerable period. In the absence of examples, linguistic analysis relies on typical phrase construction.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long standing affair" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a relationship that has endured over time. Despite being recognized as correct, the absence of examples makes it difficult to pinpoint its exact contextual usage and frequency, as determined by Ludwig. Be aware of the connotations of secrecy or potential disapproval when employing this phrase and select alternatives like "long-term relationship" if a more neutral tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-term relationship

Replaces "affair" with a more neutral and general term, focusing on the duration of the relationship.

protracted liaison

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe the relationship, emphasizing its extended duration.

long-running romance

Highlights the romantic aspect of the relationship, suggesting a story that has unfolded over time.

enduring involvement

Focuses on the commitment and persistence of the relationship, implying a deep connection.

sustained relationship

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the relationship, highlighting its ability to last.

long-lasting entanglement

Suggests a complex and perhaps complicated relationship that has persisted for a considerable time.

established romance

Indicates that the relationship is not new and has been in place for a while.

long-held connection

Focuses on the bond between individuals, emphasizing its duration and significance.

lingering romance

Suggests that the romantic feelings and involvement have persisted over a long period.

long-lived relationship

A straightforward alternative, simply stating that the relationship has existed for a significant time.

FAQs

How can I use "long standing affair" in a sentence?

You can use "long standing affair" to describe a relationship that has lasted for a significant period. For example: "Their long standing affair became the subject of much gossip in the town."

What are some alternatives to "long standing affair"?

Alternatives include "long-term relationship", "protracted liaison", or "enduring involvement" depending on the context.

What are the connotations of "long standing affair"?

The phrase "long standing affair" often suggests a degree of secrecy and may carry negative connotations, implying impropriety or moral disapproval.

Is it better to use "long standing affair" or "long-term relationship"?

It depends on the context. "Long standing affair" implies a potentially secretive or illicit relationship, while "long-term relationship" is a more neutral and general term for a lasting connection.