long way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long way" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a common phrase that can be used to describe any extended distance or a lengthy amount of time. For example: "We still have a long way to go before the project is completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A long way indeed.

The New York Times

A Long Way Down.

The Economist

By a long way.

Independent

Long way off".

The New York Times

A long, long way.

The New York Times

It's a long way.

The New York Times

Long way to go.

The New York Times

That's a long way off.

The New York Times

"We've come a long way.

The New York Times

Oregon's a long way away".

The New Yorker

'It is a long way.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long way" to describe progress, ensure the context clearly indicates what progress is being measured against. Be specific about the starting and ending points.

Common error

Avoid using "long way" vaguely. Instead of saying "We have a long way to go", specify the goal: "We have a long way to go to meet our fundraising goal."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long way" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb, expressing extent or degree. Ludwig's examples show its common use in describing distances, progress, or durations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase "long way" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe significant distance, time, or progress. It's versatile enough for neutral and even professional contexts, frequently appearing in news and media. When using "long way", clarity is key; ensure the context makes it clear what distance, time, or progress is being discussed. While alternatives like "considerable distance" or "significant progress" exist, "long way" remains a direct and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great distance

Similar to "long way" but emphasizes the magnitude of the distance.

considerable distance

Focuses on the physical distance involved.

substantial distance

Emphasizes the size of the distance.

significant progress

Emphasizes the advancement made over time.

a good distance

Slightly less formal way of expressing a significant distance.

extended duration

Highlights the length of time something takes.

substantial journey

Refers to a significant trip or process.

considerable stretch

Implies a notable span of distance or time.

lengthy process

Highlights a process that takes a significant amount of time.

considerable distance remains

Highlights that a large portion of the distance is still to be covered, focusing on the remaining part.

FAQs

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

You can use "long way" to describe physical distance, as in "It's a long way to the nearest gas station". You can also use it to describe progress, as in "We've come a long way since last year".

What are some alternatives to saying "long way"?

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

Is it correct to say "a long ways" instead of "long way"?

While "a long ways" is sometimes used colloquially, "long way" is generally considered the more grammatically correct and widely accepted form.

What's the difference between "long way" and "a long way off"?

"Long way" generally refers to distance or progress, while "a long way off" indicates something is far in the future or unlikely to happen soon.