since long ago

USAGE SUMMARY

"since long ago" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a time in the past that began a long time ago and continues until now. Example sentence: People have been living in this area since long ago.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The words can be interpreted as since long ago or for old times' sake.

Britannica

The integration of multi-centre medical image data to create knowledge repositories for research and training activities has been an aim targeted since long ago.

Future Generation Computer Systems

Since long ago cellulosic lyotropic liquid crystals were thought as potential materials to produce fibers competitive with spidersilk or Kevlar, yet the processing of high modulus materials from cellulose-based precursors was hampered by their complex rheological behavior.

Polymer

"The hunting of whales and dolphins has been carried out since long ago and is performed on scientific grounds," he told Japanese reporters last night.

Independent

"The theory has been a matter of curiosity since long ago, and now I hope a scientific analysis will provide us with some answers about the Israelite origin of Afridi Pathans.

The Guardian

Since long ago, before digital news, when space meant just a strip across the top of a printed page, we knew to save space on Friday's page for Charles Krauthammer.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Our country has come a long way, and I've come a long way since that long ago time when I went to Vietnam.

The New York Times

And so it has been since as long ago as January, when Northern Ireland's governing coalition collapsed.

The New York Times

HATS have been woven in and around Montecristi, a hillside town in Ecuador near the Pacific Ocean, since as long ago as the 17th century.

The Economist

But the commission failed to carry out any examinations despite receiving complaints from investors and rivals since as long ago as the late 1990s.

The Economist

Bangkok's flood-control capabilities are limited, since it long ago paved over most canals to build roads, depriving itself of a traditional means of water disposal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "since long ago" to emphasize that something has been true or ongoing for a considerable duration, especially when referring to traditions, practices, or beliefs.

Common error

Be mindful of using "since long ago" when simpler phrases like "for a long time" or "since then" would suffice, as overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or archaic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since long ago" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action or state began. It describes a duration that started far in the past and often extends to the present. Ludwig provides examples showing its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

12%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "since long ago" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate that something has been the case for a considerable duration, often extending from the distant past to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While its usage leans towards a Neutral register, it isn't overly formal and appears across various authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It conveys a sense of historical depth and long-standing nature, so when using this phrase you should ask yourself if you could use a more specific term instead, such as "from time immemorial". Though not extremely common, its usage is consistent, rendering it valuable for nuanced expression and providing a clear, credible, and legitimate writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from distant past

Highlights the temporal remoteness of an event or period.

for ages

Indicates a very long period, but less formal.

for a long time

A more general term to indicate long duration of time.

from time immemorial

Emphasizes a point in the past so distant that it's beyond memory or record.

in ancient times

Refers to a historical period, not necessarily ongoing.

in bygone eras

Indicates past periods that are clearly over and gone.

since time began

Highlights the beginning of existence, often used figuratively.

since the dawn of time

Emphasizes the very beginning of time, often used poetically.

since antiquity

Implies a period since the classical era of history.

from way back when

An informal way to denote the remote past.

FAQs

How can I use "since long ago" in a sentence?

You can use "since long ago" to indicate that something has existed or been happening for a considerable period. For example: "People have inhabited this valley since long ago."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "since long ago"?

Similar phrases include "from time immemorial", "for ages", or "since time began". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "since long ago"?

Yes, "since long ago" is grammatically correct, although it might sound slightly formal or archaic in some contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "since long ago" and "a long time ago"?

"Since long ago" often implies an ongoing connection to the present, while "a long time ago" simply refers to a past event with no necessary implication of continuation. For example, "This tradition has been followed since long ago" suggests the tradition still exists. If it ended in the past "This happened a long time ago" is better to use.