problem for a long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problem for a long time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue that has persisted over an extended period. Example: "The lack of funding has been a problem for a long time, affecting the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

That's been a problem for a long time".

The New York Times

He added, "It's been a problem for a long time".

The New York Times

"It's been a problem for a long time," he said.

The New York Times

This has been a big problem for a long time in developing countries.

The Economist

He told his colleagues that Iraq will be the world's problem for a long time.

The New Yorker

"We've had this problem for a long time," said Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"If you are experiencing severe sleep problems for a long time do seek treatment," says Luik.

The Guardian

But riders who use the station said in interviews that the two-story escalator had had problems for a long time.

The New York Times

She said: "He said he was on medication for depression and told me he had been suffering from problems for a long time.

The Guardian

The relationship between economy and environmental impacts has been an essential topic in the discussion on environmental problems for a long time.

Journal of Cleaner Production

"In recent years," Mr. Xi said during his inaugural speech on Nov. 15, "some countries have stored up problems for a long time leading to public anger and outcry, civil unrest and regime collapse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problem for a long time", clearly define the problem and the duration to provide context and impact.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it's been a problem for a long time" without providing specific details. Clarify the nature of the problem and its consequences to make your statement more impactful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problem for a long time" functions as a descriptor, specifying that a particular issue has persisted over an extended duration. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "problem for a long time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an issue that has persisted over a considerable duration. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and research. While versatile, it's important to provide specific details about the problem to enhance clarity and impact. For more formal settings, alternatives like "long-standing issue" or "persistent problem" may be more appropriate. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively convey the significance of long-term issues and provide context for their discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-standing issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and uses the adjective "long-standing" to emphasize the duration.

persistent problem

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the problem using the adjective "persistent".

chronic issue

Uses "chronic" to suggest a problem that is both long-lasting and difficult to eradicate.

age-old problem

Suggests the problem has existed for generations, using a more evocative term.

historical problem

Frames the problem as one rooted in the past and ongoing since then.

a problem that has plagued us for years

Uses stronger language ("plagued") to convey the negative impact of the problem over a long time.

an issue that has been ongoing for quite some time

More verbose and formal way of expressing the same idea.

a long-term challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", framing it as something to be overcome over an extended period.

an enduring difficulty

Highlights the lasting and troublesome aspect of the situation.

a deeply rooted issue

Emphasizes that the origin of the issue is difficult to eradicate.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "problem for a long time" to sound more formal?

Consider using more formal alternatives such as "long-standing issue", "persistent problem", or "chronic issue" to convey a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "problem for a long time" and "long-term challenge"?

"Problem for a long time" simply indicates a prolonged issue. "Long-term challenge" frames the issue as something that requires effort to overcome over an extended period.

Is "problem for a long time" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "problem for a long time" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "historical problem" or "deeply rooted issue" to enhance the academic tone.

How to use "problem for a long time" in a sentence?

You can use "problem for a long time" to describe something that has been an issue for an extended duration, for instance: "The lack of funding has been a "problem for a long time", affecting the project's progress".