long time coming

USAGE SUMMARY

"long time coming" is a phrase that is commonly used in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe something that has taken a long time to come to fruition. For example, "We are finally celebrating the success of our project after such a long time coming!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Long time coming".

The New York Times - Sports

That fight is a long time coming.

The New Yorker

It had been a long time coming.

The Economist

SOME technologies seem a long time coming.

The Economist

They have been a long time coming.

The Economist

But Crimea was a long time coming.

The New Yorker

That could be a long time coming.

The Economist

Redemption was a long time coming, though.

The New York Times

IT HAS been a long time coming.

The New York Times

He added, "A long, long time coming".

The New York Times - Sports

The order was a long time coming.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long time coming" to express relief or satisfaction that something has finally happened after a considerable wait or delay. It's effective for emphasizing the duration of anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "long time coming" in situations where a neutral or somber tone is required. The phrase often carries a slightly positive or celebratory connotation, implying that the arrival of the event, though delayed, is ultimately welcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long time coming" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (often implied or stated) to describe an event, situation, or outcome. It indicates that something has been expected or anticipated for an extended duration. As Ludwig AI explains, it's commonly used to express the sense of relief or inevitability when something finally occurs after a significant wait.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long time coming" is a versatile expression used to describe events or situations that have been expected or delayed for a significant period. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically sound and widespread across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. The phrase's primary function is to emphasize the duration of anticipation and convey a sense of resolution or fulfillment. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the emotional tone, as the phrase carries a slightly positive connotation, implying the arrival of the event is welcome. When using "long time coming", ensure that it aligns with the intended emotional impact and avoid using it in situations requiring a strictly formal or somber tone. Alternatives like "a development long in the making" or "an event long awaited" may be suitable in more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something that was long awaited

Highlights the anticipation surrounding the event or situation.

a situation long in development

Highlights the extended period of the situation's evolution or growth.

a development long in the making

Emphasizes the process and duration of the development.

the time is ripe

Highlights that the moment is now suitable because of the time passed.

an event that has been brewing for ages

Implies a gradual build-up over a considerable period.

overdue event

Replaces "coming" with a noun, focusing on the event itself rather than its arrival.

the fullness of time

Evokes a sense of inevitability and the eventual arrival of something after a significant period.

an event long in gestation

Uses a more formal and metaphorical term to describe the lengthy development process.

a protracted matter

Focuses on the length and drawn-out nature of the situation.

ripe time

A more concise way to convey that the opportune moment has finally arrived after a wait.

FAQs

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

You can use "long time coming" to describe something that has been expected or delayed for a significant period, finally happening. For example, "The new policy change was a "long time coming", addressing issues that have been present for years."

What does "long time coming" imply about the event it describes?

The phrase generally implies that the event was anticipated, possibly overdue, and its arrival is a relief or a cause for celebration. It emphasizes the duration of the wait.

Are there situations where using "long time coming" would be inappropriate?

Yes, avoid using it in formal or somber contexts where a neutral tone is required. The phrase carries a slightly positive or celebratory connotation and might not be suitable for serious or tragic events.

What's a more formal alternative to "long time coming"?

More formal alternatives could include phrases like "a development long in the making" or "an event long awaited", depending on the specific context.