long time

USAGE SUMMARY

"long time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adverb phrase in sentences where you're referring to a length of time. For example, "It's been a long time since we've seen each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Long time".

The New Yorker

Been a long time.

The New York Times

A long time passed.

The New Yorker

A long time there".

The New Yorker

"Long time no see".

The New York Times

"Not a long time.

The New York Times

That's a long time.

The New York Times

It's long time".

The New Yorker

A very long time.

The New York Times

"It's a long time.

The New York Times

Long time coming".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long time" to emphasize the duration of an event or period. For variation, consider using synonyms like "considerable duration" or "extended period" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

While "long time" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives such as "a significant period" or "an extended duration" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to express the extent of time, such as in the example, "It's been a long time since we've seen each other."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long time" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote duration. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While common in news, media, and informal settings, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "extended period" or "considerable duration" in academic or highly professional writing. The analysis shows that it mainly functions as an adverbial phrase, emphasizing the extent of time, and its neutral register makes it widely applicable. It's important to use "long time" appropriately, opting for more precise language when the context demands a higher level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ages since

Emphasizes that an event happened very far back in the past.

considerable duration

Emphasizes the length of the time period, highlighting its significance.

extended period

Suggests a drawn-out phase or interval.

protracted interval

Highlights the prolonged nature of the time between events.

significant stretch

Focuses on the notable length of time.

lengthy spell

Implies a continuous period of time, often associated with a specific activity or condition.

appreciable while

Indicates a noticeably long duration.

substantial timeframe

Highlights the significant amount of time involved.

remarkable chapter

Emphasizes the importance of a period within a larger history or narrative.

incalculable epoch

Suggests a time frame so vast it's difficult to measure.

FAQs

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

You can use "long time" to indicate a significant duration, as in "It has been a "long time" since we last met" or "That's a "long time" to wait".

What are some alternatives to saying "long time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "considerable duration", "extended period", or "significant stretch".

Is it correct to say "a long time ago"?

Yes, "a "long time ago"" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to refer to something that happened far in the past.

What's the difference between "long time" and "for a long time"?

"Long time" is often used as a standalone phrase or part of a sentence (e.g., "Long time no see"), while "for a "long time"" usually describes the duration of an action or state (e.g., "I lived there for a "long time"").