seems like forever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems like forever" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling that a certain duration of time feels excessively long or prolonged. Example: "Waiting for the results of the exam seems like forever, and I can't help but feel anxious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Seems like forever ago," Isner said.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobel Prize ("Seems like forever ago... ..) Obesity ("Michelle is on it, America's Fat Kids Scourge").

Huffington Post

"That seems like forever ago".

The New York Times - Sports

Which these days seems like forever.

The New York Times

For both players, that day seems like forever ago.

The New York Times - Sports

War has been here for what seems like forever.

The New York Times

"It just seems like forever ago," she said today.

The New York Times - Sports

"When you're starting from scratch, that seems like forever".

The New York Times

I am suspended in time for what seems like forever.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It seems like forever ago," Lin said, "but obviously a dream come true.

The New York Times - Sports

Your parents are there for what seems like forever, then they go.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems like forever" to emphasize a subjective feeling of time, particularly when expressing impatience, frustration, or nostalgia. For example, "Waiting for the concert to start seems like forever."

Common error

While "seems like forever" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise language when conveying specific durations or timelines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems like forever" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express the subjective perception of a long duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to emphasize the feeling that time has passed slowly or that an event has been delayed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

19%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems like forever" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to convey a sense of prolonged time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most common in news and media, academia, and general conversation, with the primary function of emphasizing a subjective experience of time. While acceptable in various contexts, more precise language may be preferred in highly formal settings. Consider using alternatives like "feels like an eternity" or "a considerable amount of time has elapsed" based on the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feels like an eternity

Stronger emphasis on the perceived length of time.

feels like ages

Implies a considerable amount of time has passed.

seems like a lifetime

Highlights the significant impact or changes that have occurred during the period.

it's been a long time

Direct statement indicating a considerable duration.

time stretches on

Focuses on the subjective experience of time passing slowly.

it feels unending

Emphasizes the lack of a foreseeable end.

it's been an age

Similar to "feels like ages", but slightly more informal.

a long time has passed

A neutral and factual statement of duration.

it's been years

Specifically refers to a duration of multiple years.

it drags on

Highlights the tediousness or unpleasantness of the extended time.

FAQs

How can I use "seems like forever" in a sentence?

You can use "seems like forever" to express that something feels like it has taken a very long time. For example, "It "seems like forever" since I last saw my friends."

What's a more formal way to say "seems like forever"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "a considerable amount of time has elapsed" or "it has been a significant duration" instead of ""seems like forever"".

Is it correct to say "seemed like forever"?

Yes, "seemed like forever" is grammatically correct. Use "seemed" when referring to something in the past. For example, "The wait "seemed like forever"."

What can I say instead of "seems like forever"?

You can use alternatives like "feels like an eternity", "feels like ages", or "seems like a lifetime" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.