longest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the length of something to others, indicating that it has the greatest length. Example: "This is the longest book I have ever read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Film

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The term "big wall" is generally used by climbers to describe some of the world's longest climbs – usually predominantly on rock involving up to 30 rope lengths, and on which most climbers would expect to spend days climbing.

The Guardian

As CityMetric reports, the "Talsinkifix" rail link project would cost €9bn at current prices, and, at a minimum of 50km from one coast to the other, would be the longest undersea tunnel in the world.

The Guardian

The Time has the longest battery life of any smartwatch currently available, easily lasting for five days per charge, while it is the only smartwatch here that can be used with both an iPhone and Android smartphones.

The Guardian - Tech

At 1am in the morning, t the capital's longest street, Val-e-Asr Val-e-Asr Val-e-Asr Avenueth cars, wash men and women waving flagstill flinedng V-for-victory signs from open withows.

The Guardian

In order for Hadrian's Wall to become the world's longest art work, illuminated by 450 giant balloons, something like 120 landowners had to agree to the project.

The Guardian

The Andes, as the world's longest continuous mountain range, came to hold the promise of an endless succession of extreme and sublime landscapes.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The Frenchman did not last long in Glasgow but is one of the longest-serving coaches in Asia.

The Guardian - Sport

Lainson continued to be funded by the Wellcome Trust and held the record as their longest-serving grant-holder at 47 years.

The Guardian

Not just venerable, but also the second longest-serving head of state.

The Guardian

The Thai king is not the oldest head of state, but he is the longest-serving, have ascended to the throne in 1946.

The Guardian

Anwar's political comeback has become one of the longest-running shows in south-east Asia.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "longest", ensure you're comparing it to a defined set of items or durations to provide context. Specify what is being measured (e.g., "the longest river" or "the longest tenure").

Common error

Don't use "longest" without a clear point of reference. Saying something is "the longest" without specifying what it's being compared to can confuse the reader. Always provide context or a comparative set.

Linguistic Context

The word "longest" functions primarily as a superlative adjective. It modifies a noun to indicate that it possesses the greatest extent in length or duration compared to all others of its kind. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples where "longest" describes something with the greatest extension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Travel

4%

Sport

4%

Less common in

Film

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "longest" is a versatile superlative adjective used to denote the greatest extent in length or duration. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and finds frequent application across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To use it effectively, ensure you provide a clear comparison and avoid vague references. Ludwig’s examples showcase how "longest" is employed to specify items or events with the greatest length or duration within a given set, making it a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most extended

Focuses on the extent of length, often applicable in abstract contexts.

greatest length

Highlights physical measurement, suitable when discussing tangible objects.

maximum duration

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, referring to the greatest amount of time.

most prolonged

Implies an extended period, often used for processes or events.

maximal

Stresses the achievement of the greatest possible quantity or degree.

ultimate

Refers to the final or most significant point in a sequence or process.

topmost

Focuses on vertical extension and is usually used in geographical or hierarchical contexts.

most expansive

Suggests a wide-ranging or comprehensive extent, suitable for abstract concepts.

supreme

Implies the highest level or degree, can be applied to abstract or concrete concepts.

most sizable

Emphasizes the overall size or magnitude, not strictly length.

FAQs

How do I use "longest" in a sentence?

Use "longest" to describe something that has a greater extent in space or time than anything else of its kind. For example, "The Nile is the longest river in the world", or "She has the longest commute of anyone in the office".

What's a good synonym for "longest"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "most extended", "maximum duration", or "greatest length".

Is it ever incorrect to use "longest"?

It's incorrect if there is no clear comparison or if you use it to describe something that's not actually related to length or duration. Ensure the context warrants the use of a superlative adjective.

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

"Longest" is the superlative form, used when comparing three or more items to identify the one with the greatest length. "Longer" is the comparative form, used when comparing only two items.