long time lover

USAGE SUMMARY

"long time lover" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "long time lover" to refer to someone who has been in a romantic relationship for a long period of time. For example: "Jason and Maria have been together for 10 years - they truly are long time lovers!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"As a long time lover of dulce de leche, who has a tepid (at best) relationship with cereal, I was pleasantly surprised with this.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 1988 he publicly acknowledged his relationship with his long-time lover, Martin Hensler.

The Guardian

That will would have given Mrs. Wang's entire fortune to her onetime spiritual adviser, Tony Chan, who also claimed to be her long-time lover.

The New York Times

Steph walks out on her long-time lover, Greg, after his reported remark that her face, in comparison with that of another woman, is just "regular".

The Guardian

Five years after their first public appearance together and two decades after Prince Charles's first marriage became, in Princess Diana's words, "a bit crowded", the prince is to marry Camilla Parker Bowles, his long-time lover.

The Economist

It was the year after his Worthing summer that Wilde became involved in a court case with the father of his long-time lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, whom the writer sued for criminal libel.

The Guardian

As a long-time lover of classical music, I read both James R. Oestreich's and Bernard Holland's articles on the parlous state of the nation's symphony orchestras with great interest.

The New York Times - Arts

Having explored the comedy of pre-marital sex in The Liver Birds, Carla Lane flirted with extra-marital liaisons in Butterflies (1978-83), in which Wendy Craig never quite betrays her dentist husband with a businessman she meets in the park, and The Mistress (1985-87), which starred Felicity Kendal as the long-time lover of a married man.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Formerly a teacher, graphic designer, screen printer and a long-time lover of blues music, Gilbert made his first guitar in 1987.

BBC

As a long-time lover of larger than life watches, I was pleased when Steinhart nee Debaufre released a line of watches to rival Bell & Ross' attempts at recreating old-timey airplane dial.

TechCrunch

Longtime director Gustav Mahler modernised the opera with avant-garde stagings of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, featuring striking Jugendstil sets and powerhouse soprano Anna von Mildenburg, his long-time lover.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone you wish to convey. "Long time lover" can imply a deep connection and enduring affection. If your intention is different, choose a more neutral phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "long time lover" casually. This phrase implies a deep connection and significant duration, so it would be inappropriate for describing a fleeting or casual relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long time lover" functions as a noun phrase, where "long time" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "lover". It is used to describe a person who has been in a romantic relationship for a considerable duration. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long time lover" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered phrase utilized to depict a romantic relationship of considerable duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English. While not as prevalent as more general terms like "partner" or "significant other", "long time lover" carries an implication of deep connection and enduring affection. Its usage is most commonly found in news and media contexts. For more formal situations, alternatives such as "longstanding partner" or "life partner" might be preferable. When using the phrase, ensure the duration and romantic aspect are clear to avoid misinterpretation. The phrase evokes a sentiment of time-tested affection and commitment between two individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longstanding partner

Focuses on the duration and formal nature of the relationship.

long-term companion

Emphasizes companionship and the extended duration of the relationship.

life partner

Highlights a commitment to a lifelong relationship.

devoted partner

Stresses dedication and commitment in the relationship.

committed relationship

Highlights the commitment and nature of the relationship over time.

significant other

A more general term for a romantic partner, irrespective of duration.

steady beau

An older-fashioned term for a regular boyfriend/girlfriend.

long-term sweetheart

Emphasizes affection and the enduring nature of the romantic relationship.

constant flame

A poetic term referencing a passionate, enduring love.

enduring romance

Focuses on the longevity and romantic quality of the relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "long time lover" to describe someone you have been in a romantic relationship with for an extended period. For example, "She introduced him as her long time lover and best friend."

What are some alternative phrases to "long time lover"?

Alternatives include "longstanding partner", "long-term companion", or "life partner", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "long time lover" in formal writing?

While "long time lover" is grammatically correct, it may be perceived as less formal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "longstanding partner" or "life partner".

What is the difference between "long time lover" and "friend"?

"Long time lover" specifically indicates a romantic relationship that has lasted a significant amount of time. "Friend" simply refers to a platonic relationship, without specifying its duration or nature.