long suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

"long suffering" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who endures hardship or pain over a long period, often with patience. Example: "She remained long suffering despite the challenges she faced." Alternative expressions include "patient endurance" and "forbearing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But City's long suffering fans hardly see it that way.

The New York Times - Sports

It meant so much to us long suffering fans.

The Guardian - Sport

Peter's many long suffering friends will be in despair.

The Guardian

No doubt, we, the long suffering taxpayers.

BBC

Answer by John DeMarchi,, long suffering fan.

Huffington Post

I was getting burned out by my father's long suffering.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Irony is more long-suffering.

The New Yorker

"They've been long-suffering.

The Washington Post

Irony is long-suffering.

The New Yorker

Dan let out a long-suffering sigh.

The Guardian - Tech

The long-suffering, tolerant doctor felt betrayed.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "long suffering", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature and duration of the hardship being endured. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "long suffering" casually. Reserve it for situations where the hardship is genuinely significant and sustained. Overusing it can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long suffering" primarily functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing a state of enduring hardship or pain over an extended period. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which often use it to characterize individuals or groups, such as "long suffering fans."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long suffering" is an adjective phrase used to describe someone or something that has endured prolonged hardship with patience. While grammatically correct and acceptable in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media. When using "long suffering", it's important to consider the degree of hardship and avoid casual overuse. Alternatives include "patient endurance" and "sustained adversity". Ludwig's examples showcase its ability to evoke empathy and highlight resilience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patient endurance

Focuses on the act of enduring with patience.

protracted hardship

Highlights the prolonged nature of the suffering.

sustained adversity

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the difficult circumstances.

chronic affliction

Implies a persistent and ongoing source of suffering.

enduring torment

Stresses the painful and agonizing aspect of the suffering.

relentless hardship

Highlights the unyielding nature of the difficulties faced.

unyielding suffering

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of the suffering.

prolonged agony

Focuses on the extended period of intense pain.

extended trial

Conveys a sense of a long and difficult ordeal.

unceasing tribulation

Highlights the continuous and distressing nature of the suffering.

FAQs

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

You can use "long suffering" to describe someone or something that has endured hardship for an extended period, such as "The "long suffering fans" finally saw their team win the championship."

What are some synonyms for "long suffering"?

Alternatives to "long suffering" include "patient endurance", "sustained adversity", or "enduring torment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "long suffering" formal or informal?

"Long suffering" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate in writing or speech that requires a degree of seriousness or empathy.

What is the difference between "long suffering" and "patient"?

While both terms relate to endurance, "patient" generally refers to calmly accepting delays or annoyances. "Long suffering" implies enduring significant hardship or pain over a long period, often with patience.