something lingers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something lingers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling, memory, or sensation that remains or persists over time. Example: "Even after the event was over, the sense of unease lingered in the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And yet something lingers: a sense of pride, even of nationhood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Something lingered after that day, Mr. Simon remarked many months later.

The New York Times

"There is something lingering inside us," he added, like a suspicion that he and others can neither suppress nor satisfy.

The New York Times

"I didn't have to worry about something lingering and having to go back to the doctor to get things checked out.

The New York Times - Sports

But I shudder to think what punishment the great Mikado might have devised for Mr. Tommasini: something lingering, with either boiling oil or melted lead?

The New York Times

Other times, jealousy is simply your old "stuff" arising, and with it you have a golden opportunity to resolve something lingering within yourself, so you can go forward with a new, self-valuing attitude.

Huffington Post

But something else lingers over "NYC 22" besides Harlem's past: the struggling economy.

The New York Times - Arts

But something still lingers, rooted, inevitably, in the chronicle of his adolescence.

The Washington Post

"I don't want it to be something that lingers all year.

The New York Times - Sports

"We create something that lingers for a little while and makes you want to come back for it," Mr. Kluger went on.

The New York Times - Food

The judges called it an "acute, stylish, intelligent novel about how we survive trauma", which "undermines the tropes of its own genre and leaves us with something that lingers".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something lingers" to create a sense of mystery or unresolved tension in your writing. It is especially effective when describing emotions or atmospheres.

Common error

Avoid using "something lingers" when a more direct and concrete description is possible. In factual writing, clarity is more important than creating a vague sense of persistence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something lingers" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression. It combines a noun (something) with a verb (lingers) to describe a state of continued presence or effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something lingers" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a continued presence or lasting effect. It is versatile enough for narrative and descriptive writing, particularly in the realm of News & Media, lending an air of mystery or unresolved tension. While it maintains a neutral register, its impact is most effective when hinting at persistent emotions or atmospheric conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, underscoring its role as a robust component in English expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something remains

This alternative focuses on the continued existence of something after an event or period.

something persists

This suggests that something continues to exist or happen, often despite obstacles.

something endures

This implies that something lasts over a long period, often withstanding challenges.

a feeling remains

This highlights that a feeling or emotion continues to be felt or experienced.

an impression lasts

This indicates that an effect or memory continues to influence or be remembered.

a memory remains

This shows that a memory or remembrance continues to be present in one's mind.

it stays with you

This colloquial phrase suggests something continues to affect or influence someone.

it sticks around

This is a more informal way of saying that something remains present or nearby.

the effect continues

This emphasizes that an outcome or result is still ongoing.

the trace remains

This phrase highlights that even a small bit of something is still detectable.

FAQs

How can I use "something lingers" in a sentence?

You can use "something lingers" to describe a feeling, memory, or atmosphere that remains present, such as "Even after the meeting ended, a sense of unease lingered in the air."

What are some alternatives to "something lingers"?

You can use alternatives like "something remains", "something persists", or "a feeling remains" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "something lingers" in formal writing?

Yes, "something lingers" can be used in formal writing, but consider the tone. It is more suitable for descriptive or narrative contexts rather than highly technical or scientific ones.

What does it mean when someone says "something lingers"?

It typically means that a feeling, idea, or sensation remains present or continues to have an effect even after the initial cause is gone. It suggests a lasting or persistent quality.