longer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "longer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing the concept of something being more extended in duration, distance, or size. Example sentence: The hike was much longer than we expected.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But for how much longer?

The New York Times - Arts

But no longer.

The New York Times

Not any longer.

The New York Times

Jan Crosby, the head of housing at KPMG, said: "These figures make for frightening reading and show that housing affordability is no longer just a problem for lower wage earners.

The Guardian - Business

I can no longer support Govt policy on #Gaza".

The Guardian

That is no longer the case.

The New York Times

That's no longer the case.

The New York Times

That is no longer so".

The New York Times

"It's no longer Dairy Milk.

The Guardian - Business

For every year that's pushed out that's a year longer that it will take to make a real difference for people across the world".

The Guardian

I'm no longer just a candidate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two durations, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what you are comparing. For example, instead of just saying "This meeting is longer", specify "This meeting is longer than the previous one."

Common error

Don't use "longer" without a clear point of reference. Always specify what is "longer" than what to avoid confusion. For example, instead of saying "The wait was longer", specify "The wait was longer than expected."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "longer" is as a comparative adjective or adverb. It modifies nouns or verbs by indicating a greater extent in time, space, or degree. As Ludwig AI states, it expresses the concept of something being more extended.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "longer" functions as a comparative adjective or adverb indicating a greater extent in time, length, or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for various communication styles. When using "longer", clarity is key; always provide a point of comparison to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over a more extended period

Similar to "for a greater duration", but adds an element of passing time.

with a longer timeframe

Specifies that the duration is within a defined period.

for a greater duration

Emphasizes the duration aspect more explicitly than simply "longer".

of increased duration

Highlights the increase in time, rather than just the length itself.

lasting a greater time

Directly focuses on the temporal aspect and duration.

of extended length

Highlights the length attribute, suitable for physical dimensions.

more time-consuming

Emphasizes that activity requires a significant amount of time.

more protracted

Indicates a process or situation lasting for a considerable time, often implying difficulty.

more elongated

Suitable for physical objects, emphasizes stretching or extension.

more expansive

Describes a range or scope that is broader or wider.

FAQs

How can I use "longer" in a sentence?

Use "longer" to compare the duration, length, or extent of something. For instance, "The movie was "longer" than I anticipated" or "Do you have a "longer" cable?".

What can I say instead of "longer"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "more protracted", "extended", or "more elongated". The best choice relies on what aspect you are emphasizing, such as time, physical length, or extension.

Which is correct, "longer" or "more long"?

"Longer" is the correct comparative form of "long". "More long" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Use ""longer"" for comparisons.

What's the difference between "longer" and "farther"?

"Longer" typically refers to duration or length, while "farther" refers to physical distance. For example, "The meeting lasted "longer" than expected", but "We drove "farther" than we planned".