not long now

USAGE SUMMARY

'not long now' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something that will be happening soon, or that not much time is left until something occurs. Example sentence: We've been waiting for months, but it's almost here - not long now!.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Not long now.

The Guardian

Not long now, folks.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's coming, though; not long now.

Independent

7.44pm GMT Not long now..

The Guardian - Sport

3.04pm BST Not long now.

The Guardian - Sport

No. "There's not long now that's true.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

These are a natural fit as they are likely to have a critical mass of Twitter users – San Francisco isn't long now.

TechCrunch

Not long from now, Facebook will be a frighteningly centralized database containing the information of about a half-billion people.

The New York Times - Books

Not long from now the FCC will decide whether or not to allow Comcast to takeover Time Warner.

The Guardian - Tech

Not long from now, online investors will be trading stocks around the clock.

Forbes

But Y Combinator-backed Meadow aims to do on-demand visits not long from now.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not long now" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what event or outcome is imminent to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not long now" without providing context. Instead of saying, "Not long now," clarify what is coming soon to prevent confusion. For example, say, "Not long now until the concert starts."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not long now" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the imminence of an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It modifies a verb or the overall statement to convey timing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sport

35%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not long now" is a common phrase used to indicate that something is about to happen soon. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and widely used. Analysis of various sources indicates it's most frequently found in News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "it will happen shortly" in professional or academic writing. When using "not long now", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig can help you find the perfect way to express the impending arrival of any event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming soon

Emphasizes the approaching arrival or occurrence of something.

it will happen shortly

Highlights the brief amount of time before an event takes place.

just around the corner

Suggests the event is very close and easily accessible.

on the horizon

Implies the event is visible and approaching from a distance.

in the offing

A more formal way to express something is likely to happen soon.

fast approaching

Stresses the quickening pace at which something is nearing.

upon us

Suggests the event is nearly here and unavoidable.

drawing near

Indicates a gradual but certain approach of an event.

close at hand

Highlights the proximity and convenience of the upcoming event.

in sight

Implies the event is visible and within reach.

FAQs

What does "not long now" mean?

"Not long now" means that something is expected to happen very soon. It's used to indicate that an event or a moment is approaching quickly.

How can I use "not long now" in a sentence?

You can use "not long now" to build anticipation or excitement about an upcoming event. For example: "The new season starts next week, "not long now"!" or "We're almost there, "not long now"."

What are some alternatives to saying "not long now"?

Alternatives include "coming soon", "just around the corner", or "fast approaching". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "not long now" in formal writing?

While "not long now" is widely understood, it leans towards informal usage. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "it will happen shortly" or "the event is imminent" for a more professional tone.