not long since

USAGE SUMMARY

"not long since" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that happened recently, for example: "I visited Paris not long since and it was wonderful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

In 1910 a south London company not long since known as the Vauxhall Iron Works produced a vehicle that changed the world of motoring.

The Times

Gould, A. A. D. Gould had examined the shells not long since announced as having been received from the Rev. Francis Mason, missionary at Tavoy, in British Burmah.

Nature

It's not long since Nick Kyrgios was a kid playing on his local court.

Independent

It is not long since Strauss was left off of England's one-day team.

The New York Times - Sports

"Young Mr. Adams was, not long since, a student in this District.

The New York Times

I mind me of how, not long since, I stole three dollars.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Indeed, it wasn't long since women had been barred from entering many fell races, because they were considered too delicate.

Independent

I was angry when I wrote the book, mainly because it wasn't long since I had witnessed the hopeless police investigation into the Yorkshire Ripper murders at close quarters.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Foxes hadn't long since been on the brink of extinction, having come out of administration in 2003.

BBC

Curl your eyelashes if your lashes aren't long, since it is stated in the books that Mackenzie always bats her long lashes.

WikiHow

Curl your eyelashes if your lashes aren't long, since it is stated in the books that Mackenzie always bats her long lashes Mackenzie wears designer clothes, shoes, jewelry, and purchase.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not long since", ensure the context clearly establishes a timeframe or point of reference, allowing the reader to accurately gauge the recency of the event being described.

Common error

Avoid using "not long since" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "recently" or "not long ago" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not long since" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a timeframe in the recent past. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not long since" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote events that occurred in the recent past. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's prevalent across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's worth noting the phrase leans towards formality. For more informal settings, alternatives like "recently" or "not long ago" might be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances enables writers to deploy "not long since" effectively, enhancing clarity and stylistic sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recently

Focuses on the recency of the event, omitting the duration.

just recently

Emphasizes the immediacy and recency of the event.

not long ago

A more common and direct synonym emphasizing the short time passed.

in recent times

Highlights that the event occurred during the current period.

in the recent past

Similar to "in recent times" but emphasizing that the event is already past.

of late

A slightly more formal and less common way of saying recently.

lately

A general term referring to occurrences in the near past.

in the immediate past

Highlights that the event occurred just before the present moment.

in recent memory

Suggests the event is easily recalled due to its recency.

just now

Indicates an event that happened in the very recent past.

FAQs

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

Use "not long since" to indicate that something happened recently. For example, "Not long since, I visited the museum" means you visited the museum in the recent past.

What phrases are similar in meaning to "not long since"?

Alternatives to "not long since" include "recently", "not long ago", or "lately". Choose the best option based on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "not long since" more formal than "recently"?

Yes, "not long since" generally carries a more formal or literary tone compared to the more common and neutral term "recently". Consider your audience and the context when choosing between the two.

Can I use "not long since" in spoken English?

While grammatically correct, "not long since" is more common in written English than in everyday spoken language. In conversation, simpler alternatives like "recently" or "just now" might sound more natural.