over the long haul

USAGE SUMMARY

"over the long haul" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when referring to something that might take a long time to achieve or play out, such as a long-term goal. For example, "We need to stay on track if we're going to reach our goal over the long haul."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's over the long haul.

The New York Times

The benefit multiplies over the long haul.

The New York Times - Magazine

Delinquencies should decline accordingly over the long haul.

The New York Times

Over the long haul, though, legacy enrollment has declined.

The New York Times

Over the long haul, coaches and returners may be right.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's rarely red-hot over the long haul.

The New York Times

"It was laudable, but not sustainable over the long haul.

The Washington Post

Over the long haul, he continued, his chances are dim.

The New York Times - Sports

My greatest impact is over the long haul".

The New York Times - Sports

A recent study validates a simple task that might preserve marital satisfaction over the long haul.

University of California, Berkeley

But how do social sector leaders sustain their motivation, commitment, and passion over the long haul?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "over the long haul" when you want to emphasize the importance of sustained effort and consistency in achieving a goal.

Common error

Avoid using "over the long haul" when discussing immediate or short-term solutions. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where the benefits or consequences unfold gradually over an extended period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over the long haul" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate a duration or timeframe. It specifies that the action or outcome being described unfolds or becomes apparent across an extended period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis indicates that "over the long haul" is a correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize the importance of a long-term perspective and sustained effort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media and Academic contexts. While often interchangeable with phrases like "in the long run" or "in the long term", "over the long haul" carries a stronger connotation of perseverance. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with scenarios where benefits or consequences unfold gradually over time, rather than offering short-term solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the long run

This alternative is more concise and focuses on the ultimate outcome after a period of time.

in the long term

Similar to "in the long run", but emphasizes the duration of time rather than the outcome.

over time

This alternative is more general and doesn't necessarily imply a planned or strategic approach.

eventually

This focuses on the final result but does not always imply a drawn-out process.

ultimately

This highlights the end result, often after a series of events or efforts.

in the fullness of time

This alternative is more formal and literary, suggesting a patient and accepting perspective.

down the road

This idiom suggests a future point in time, but can be less specific about the length of time.

in the future

This is a very general term, lacking the sense of perseverance implied by the original phrase.

in the years to come

This alternative emphasizes the passage of years and the unfolding of events.

looking ahead

This focuses on future planning and anticipation rather than sustained effort.

FAQs

How can I use "over the long haul" in a sentence?

You can use "over the long haul" to emphasize the need for sustained effort or a long-term perspective. For example: "Investing in education pays off "over the long haul"."

What are some alternatives to "over the long haul"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in the long run", "in the long term", or "eventually" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "over the long haul" formal or informal?

"Over the long haul" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "in the long term" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "in the long run" and "over the long haul"?

While both phrases refer to a distant point in the future, "over the long haul" often implies sustained effort or persistence, whereas "in the long run" simply refers to the eventual outcome.