stayed for a long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stayed for a long time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone remaining in a place or situation for an extended duration. Example: "She stayed for a long time at the party, enjoying the music and conversations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I stayed for a long time, I can't remember how long.

The Guardian

Because of the great quality of life, lots of people who I've been recruiting have stayed for a long time.

The New York Times

This image of childcare services —custodial care for low-income families and staffed by nannies — stayed for a long time.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

But God did not listen, and you stayed for a long time there.

Huffington Post

We stayed for a long time trying to turn it around and make it an artisitic place.

Huffington Post

"I remember once at MOCA that when the roaring of the engine started, virtually everyone who was in the museum came from the other galleries to see it, and stayed for a long time, watching," she recalled.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It could stay for a long time".

The New York Times

"I think he will stay for a long time.

Independent

"This is a very stable neighborhood, where people stay for a long time," Ms. Hart said.

The New York Times

"My objective is that of staying for a long time at Bologna".

Independent

The Norway defender says: "I hope he will stay for a long time.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing duration, consider whether the phrase "stayed for a long time" accurately reflects the context. Sometimes, a more specific timeframe (e.g., "stayed for several years") adds clarity and impact.

Common error

While "stayed for a long time" is acceptable, it can sound less sophisticated in formal contexts. Opt for alternatives like "remained for an extended period" or "resided for a considerable duration" to elevate the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed for a long time" functions as a verb phrase indicating the duration of someone's presence in a particular location or situation. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily understood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

28%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stayed for a long time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the duration of someone's presence in a place or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While generally versatile, it leans towards a neutral to informal register, making it suitable for news articles, general writing, and casual conversation. For formal or scientific contexts, consider alternatives like "remained for an extended period". The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the length of time is relevant to the context; otherwise, more specific durations may be beneficial. Avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained for an extended period

Uses "remained" instead of "stayed" and "extended period" instead of "a long time", offering a more formal tone.

lingered for a while

Implies a pleasant or hesitant continuation, contrasting with the neutral connotation of the original phrase.

dwelt there for ages

Emphasizes the duration with a touch of exaggeration, adding emotional coloring to the action of staying.

persisted for a considerable duration

Highlights the act of continuing despite potential difficulties or challenges, adding a sense of determination.

abided for quite some time

Emphasizes acceptance or tolerance of a situation while staying, imparting a sense of resignation or adaptation.

stuck around for ages

More informal, conveying the idea of staying in a place or situation casually and without specific purpose.

hung out there for a while

Implies a relaxed and informal atmosphere, typically used to describe staying somewhere socially.

tarried for an extensive span

Uses more archaic language, suggesting a deliberate and leisurely stay.

lodged there for a protracted period

Suggests a temporary but long residence, often implying formal or institutional accommodation.

sojourned there for an appreciable duration

Implies a temporary stay as a traveler or guest, emphasizing the experience of being in a foreign place.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "stayed for a long time"?

You can use alternatives like "remained for an extended period", "lingered for a while", or "resided there for years" depending on the context.

Is "stayed for a long time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "stayed for a long time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate that someone remained in a place or situation for an extended duration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

How can I make the phrase "stayed for a long time" more specific?

To be more specific, replace "a long time" with a quantifiable duration, such as "stayed for three years" or "stayed for several months".

What's the difference between "stayed for a long time" and "remained for a long time"?

While both phrases are similar, "remained for a long time" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "stayed for a long time". The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.