so long

USAGE SUMMARY

"so long" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when departing from someone or saying goodbye. For example: "Have a good day, so long!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So long.

The New York Times

So long, big stages.

The New York Times - Arts

"I waited so long".

The New Yorker

So long Edie.

The New York Times

So long old friend.

The New York Times

So long, tepee.

The New York Times

"It's been so long.

Independent

So long, phone.

The New York Times - Tech

What's taken so long?

Independent

It's so long.

The New York Times

So long, everybody.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and setting when using "so long". While generally acceptable, it might not be suitable for highly formal or professional environments.

Common error

Avoid using "so long" in formal business correspondence or academic papers. Opt for more professional farewells like "goodbye" or "farewell" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so long" functions primarily as an interjection, used to express a farewell. It's a way of saying goodbye, often implying a casual or somewhat nostalgic tone, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Arts

17%

Literature

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so long" is a common interjection used to express farewell, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Arts and Literature. While generally acceptable, it's best suited for informal or neutral contexts, avoiding overly formal or professional settings. Alternatives like "goodbye" or "farewell" are more appropriate for formal situations. Ludwig's examples confirm its versatility and widespread usage across various domains, making it a useful phrase in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

goodbye

A standard and universally understood farewell.

see you later

An informal way of saying goodbye, implying a future meeting.

take care

A farewell that expresses concern for the other person's well-being.

farewell

A more formal way of saying goodbye.

have a good one

A casual way to wish someone well upon departure.

until next time

Suggests a future reunion, slightly more formal.

later

A very informal and brief farewell.

adios

A Spanish farewell adopted into English, adding a touch of flair.

cheerio

A British farewell, conveying a sense of lightheartedness.

peace out

A slang farewell, indicating a casual departure.

FAQs

How can I use "so long" in a sentence?

"So long" is typically used as a farewell, often followed by a pause or the person's name. For example: "So long, everyone!" or "Well, so long. I'll see you around."

What's a more formal alternative to "so long"?

For formal situations, consider using "farewell" or "goodbye". These alternatives are more appropriate in professional or official settings.

Is "so long" appropriate for written communication?

Yes, "so long" can be used in written communication, especially in emails or letters to friends and family. However, it's best to avoid it in formal business correspondence.

What's the origin of the phrase "so long"?

The origin of "so long" is debated, but it's believed to have originated from German or Yiddish, possibly a variation of "salang" (German) or "zolang" (Yiddish), both meaning "so long".