long years of war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long years of war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extended period characterized by conflict or warfare. Example: "The nation was left in ruins after long years of war, struggling to rebuild and heal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Then came the long years of war.

The New York Times

After nine long years of war, General McChrystal once again revived that feeling of hope in Afghans.

The New York Times

The impressive recent GDP growth performance in DRC has not contributed to significantly reduce the high levels of initial poverty that were inherited from long years of war and mismanagement.

Resources Policy

Inside a cluster of mud-hut billets, fighters grown wizened through long years of war, and now by an endless truce, drift down a cycle of empty days.

The New York Times

The Kentucky case has spooked the agencies and removed any incentive for jittery officials to do right by the Iraqis who, at unbelievable risk to themselves and their families, supported the U.S. during the long years of war.

The New Yorker

"After the long years of war since 1980 and the sanctions since the 1990's," he said, "Iraq's technological prowess in the civilian sector is worse than Russia's in the 90's.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Then, as the long years of the war struggle past, you can see him change.

Independent

Soured by long years of civil war at the start of his reign, ascetic and uncultured by nature, Basil embodied the least attractive features of Byzantine autocracy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But in Liberia, where ownership of resources was a major cause of the long years of civil war, ArcelorMittal is required to invest in local roads, schools and hospitals.

The Guardian

The prohibitive costs of the U.S. military campaigns (amounting to more than $20 million that year alone), the scathing humanitarian criticism of the butchery at Sand Creek, and the general weariness after four long years of civil war led federal officials to sign peace agreements later in 1865 with a variety of Native American emissaries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The closing weeks of the year brought a very welcome change in China, and hopes are now high that the long years of civil war are over and are to be replaced by something approaching unified government and a growth of confidence and economic well-being.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "long years of war", consider specifying the particular war or conflict to provide clarity and context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "long years of war" without providing context or specific details about the conflict. This can make your writing seem vague and less impactful. Provide specific examples or reference points to enhance understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long years of war" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes an extended period characterized by armed conflict, often highlighting its impact or consequences. Ludwig provides various examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long years of war" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys an extended period marked by armed conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, historical accounts, and academic discussions. It effectively communicates the duration and often the negative consequences associated with prolonged warfare. While the phrase itself is generally neutral in tone, its impact relies on the context in which it's used. Remember to specify the particular war or conflict to ensure clarity and enhance the overall impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted war years

Focuses on the extended duration of the war period.

extended period of conflict

Highlights the lengthy nature of the conflict.

years of prolonged warfare

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the warfare over the years.

drawn-out war

Implies the war lasted longer than expected.

lengthy period of hostilities

Focuses on the duration and the hostile nature of the period.

protracted armed conflict

Highlights the duration and the armed nature of the conflict.

years of sustained conflict

Emphasizes that the conflict was consistent over the years.

extended war era

Refers to a specific long-lasting period defined by war.

long-lasting armed struggle

Emphasizes the sustained effort and duration of the armed struggle.

years of continuous battles

Focuses on the recurring and ongoing nature of battles over the years.

FAQs

How can I use "long years of war" in a sentence?

You can use "long years of war" to describe the impact or consequences of prolonged conflicts, such as, "The country struggled to rebuild its infrastructure after the "long years of war".".

What are some alternatives to "long years of war"?

Some alternatives include "protracted war years", "extended period of conflict", or "years of prolonged warfare", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "long years of war" or "lengthy years of war"?

"Long years of war" and "lengthy years of war" are both grammatically correct. "Long years of war" is more commonly used and may sound more natural, but the best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What are the typical effects described in conjunction with "long years of war"?

The phrase "long years of war" is often associated with descriptions of devastation, economic hardship, social disruption, and lasting psychological trauma. You can see examples of this in the Ludwig examples provided.