long-term

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "long-term" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is expected to continue for a long period of time in the future. For example, "We plan to invest in the project for the long-term."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The long-term goal?

The New York Times

"We're looking long-term".

The New York Times

We're long-term holders.

The New York Times

"It's a long-term trend.

Independent

Long-term options in Iraq.

The New Yorker

Short- or long-term relationships?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

It's very long term.

The New York Times

I'm looking long term.

The New York Times

A Long term I'm optimistic.

The New York Times

"Think long term," he said.

The New York Times - Health

Long term?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing goals, use "long-term" to convey a commitment extending beyond immediate gains, emphasizing sustainable outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "long time" when you need an adjective. "Long time" is a noun phrase referring to an extended period, while "long-term" is an adjective describing something designed to last or be effective for an extended period. For example, say "long-term goals", not "long time goals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-term" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a duration extending over a considerable period. As indicated by Ludwig, it is correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying words like "goal", "strategy", "trend", etc.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long-term" is a versatile adjective used to describe something extending over a considerable duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. It commonly appears in contexts such as news, business, and science, emphasizing future outcomes and sustainability. When using "long-term", ensure it correctly modifies a noun and isn't confused with the noun phrase "long time". Alternatives like "long-lasting" or "in the long run" can be used to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-lasting

Emphasizes the enduring quality or persistence of something, focusing on its ability to withstand time.

extended duration

Highlights the length of time something continues, suitable for formal contexts.

in the long run

Shifts the focus to the eventual outcome or consequences over a significant period.

over the long haul

Implies perseverance and commitment through a lengthy process or endeavor.

long-range

Indicates planning or vision that extends far into the future.

protracted period

Emphasizes the drawn-out or prolonged nature of a timeframe, often suggesting difficulty or complexity.

sustained

Highlights continuous effort or maintenance over time.

enduring

Focuses on the lasting or permanent quality of something, often with a sense of resilience.

permanent

Indicates an intention or expectation of indefinite continuation.

long-time

Describes something that has existed or been in effect for a considerable duration.

FAQs

How can I use "long-term" in a sentence?

Use "long-term" as an adjective before a noun to describe something that extends over a considerable period. For example, "We need a "long-term solution" to this problem".

What are some alternatives to "long-term"?

Depending on the context, you can use "long-lasting", "extended duration", or "in the long run" as alternatives to "long-term".

Is it correct to say "long time" instead of "long-term"?

While "long time" refers to a considerable duration, it's not interchangeable with "long-term" when used as an adjective. Use "long-term" to describe something designed to last, such as a "long-term investment".

What is the difference between "long-term" and "permanent"?

"Long-term" suggests an extended period, but not necessarily indefinite. "Permanent" implies something intended to last forever. A "long-term contract" might last several years, while a "permanent solution" is intended to resolve an issue indefinitely.