long times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long times" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you are referring to extended durations or periods, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "We waited for long times, but the bus never arrived."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I would spend long times in my room and just not come out," he says.

The New Yorker

"It's a medical product; adoption of new technology takes a long times," he says.

The Guardian

Kathryn Hughes's latest book is The Short Life and Long Times of Mrs Beeton.

The Guardian - Books

"Families join cricket tours because we spend long times away from home," Flower said.

The Guardian - Sport

· Kathryn Hughes's The Short Life and Long Times of Mrs Beeton is published by Fourth Estate.

The Guardian - Books

Kathryn Hughes' The Short Life and Long Times of Mrs Beeton is published by Harper Perennial.

The Guardian - Books

· Kathryn Hughes's The Short Life and Long Times of Mrs Beeton is published by Harper Perennial.

The Guardian - Books

There were times – not very long times, admittedly – when it was almost tense.

The Guardian - Sport

Kathryn Hughes's The Short Life and Long times of Mrs Beeton is published by HarperPerennial.

The Guardian - Books

It is considered fixed and not bioavailable for long times.

Geoderma

For very long times, more emphasis is on markers and monuments.

Waste Management Series

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific duration, consider using more precise language like "extended period" or "considerable time" for clarity and formality. However, "long times" is acceptable in many informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "long times" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Instead, opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "extended duration" or "prolonged period" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long times" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the duration or frequency of an action. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing processes occurring over extended periods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long times" is used to indicate extended durations or repeated occurrences of an event over a period. While grammatically acceptable, it is more appropriate for informal contexts, with more formal options like "extended period" often preferred in academic or professional settings. Ludwig AI flags that the expression might sound awkward, and provides context for usage in Science and News & Media categories. The phrase's neutral-to-informal register makes it suitable for general communication while specific contexts will benefit from formal language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended period

More formal and emphasizes a continuous duration.

lengthy duration

Similar to "extended period" but can imply tediousness.

prolonged period

Emphasizes the extension or continuation of time.

considerable time

Suggests a notable amount of time has passed.

significant duration

Highlights the importance or impact of the time span.

extended timespan

Highlights the span of the period in question.

length of time

Focuses on the measurable duration.

a good while

More informal, indicating a substantial but unspecified amount of time.

protracted duration

Implies a time span that is longer than desired.

for ages

Informal and hyperbolic, meaning a very long time.

FAQs

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

You can use "long times" to indicate extended durations or periods, especially in informal contexts. For example, "They allow the ability to visualize and track dynamic molecular processes over "long times"."

What are some alternatives to "long times"?

Consider alternatives like "extended period", "considerable time", or "lengthy duration", depending on the desired level of formality and precision.

Is "long times" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "long times" can sound awkward in formal writing. It's generally acceptable in informal contexts, but more precise alternatives are often preferred.

When is it appropriate to use "long times" instead of "a long time"?

"Long times" is used to refer to multiple instances or occurrences of extended periods, whereas "a long time" refers to a single extended period. For example, "Sometimes I have to go "long times" in hot weather without showers" versus "I haven't seen her in a long time."