long term acquaintance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long term acquaintance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone you have known for an extended period of time, typically in a friendly or familiar context. Example: "Despite the years that have passed, my long term acquaintance with Sarah has only deepened our friendship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Coyle accepted and long-term acquaintance Stewart took charge for the Saints' 3-2 win against Dunfermline before joining him at Turf Moor.

The Guardian - Sport

The virtue of the long-form storytelling (39 episodes in all) is that even when a minor character dies it has the impact of losing, if not an old friend, then at least a long-term acquaintance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He has been a long-term acquaintance of the alleged heroin kingpin Gafur Rakhimov (who seems to have played a key role in helping Russia win the Sochi Winter Olympics), but strenuously denies any business relationship with the mysterious businessman.

Vice

In a New York Magazine piece entitled, "Who in God's Name Is Mitt Romney?", Rich interviews long-term acquaintances of the former governor, one of whom is quoted as saying, "None of us had any idea who this guy was".

Huffington Post

"He was always a bit loopy," says one long-term Muslim acquaintance of Choudary.

The Guardian

"Ms. Swift knows exactly who committed the assault -- it was Mueller -- and she is not confused in the slightest about whether her long-term business acquaintance, Mr. Haskell, was the culprit," they read.

Huffington Post

It's very long term.

The New York Times

"Think long term," he said.

The New York Times - Health

Long term?

Forbes

What about long term?

Forbes

Long term, it.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long term acquaintance", consider the context. It's best suited for situations where you want to emphasize the duration of a relationship without implying deep intimacy or close friendship. Opt for alternatives like "old friend" for closer relationships or "longstanding associate" in professional environments.

Common error

Avoid using "long term acquaintance" when describing someone you consider a close friend or confidant. This phrase suggests a more distant or formal relationship, and using it inappropriately can misrepresent the nature of your connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long term acquaintance" functions as a noun phrase, where "long term" modifies the noun "acquaintance". It describes the nature of the acquaintance, emphasizing the duration of the relationship. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long term acquaintance" is a grammatically correct way to describe someone you've known for a considerable time, but without implying deep friendship. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, and less frequently in more formal or academic settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s perfectly usable. Consider using alternatives like "longstanding associate" in professional environments or "old friend" for closer relationships. Be mindful of the nuance to accurately reflect the nature of your connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longstanding associate

Replaces "acquaintance" with a more formal term, suggesting a professional or business relationship of long duration.

long-established relationship

Emphasizes that the relationship is not new and has history.

long-running association

Focuses on the prolonged activity or involvement together in a particular context.

long-term contact

Emphasizes the connection for communication and exchange of information over an extended time.

long-held association

Highlights the length of time the association has been maintained.

longtime colleague

Specifically denotes a coworker with whom one has shared a professional relationship over a considerable period.

seasoned acquaintance

Suggests an acquaintance that has matured and deepened with the passage of time.

established connection

Highlights the firm and durable nature of the relationship formed over time.

enduring relationship

Implies a relationship that has not only lasted but also remained strong and meaningful.

old friend

Indicates a friendly relationship that has lasted for many years; less formal than "acquaintance".

FAQs

How can I use "long term acquaintance" in a sentence?

You can use "long term acquaintance" to describe someone you have known for many years, but with whom you don't have a particularly close relationship. For example, "He is a "long term acquaintance" from my college days, though we rarely see each other now".

What's a more formal alternative to "long term acquaintance"?

A more formal alternative would be "longstanding associate". This suggests a professional or business relationship of long duration.

Is "long-term acquaintance" different from "old friend"?

Yes, "long-term acquaintance" implies a less intimate relationship than "old friend". An "old friend" suggests a closer bond and shared experiences.

When is it appropriate to use "long term acquaintance" instead of "friend"?

Use "long term acquaintance" when you want to highlight the duration of your relationship with someone, but without suggesting deep affection or closeness. It's suitable when describing someone you've known for years but aren't particularly close to.