still longer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still longer" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a further extension of time or duration beyond what has already been mentioned. Example: I had been waiting for hours, and still longer before my flight was finally announced. In this example, the speaker is emphasizing that they had to wait even longer than the already long period of time they had been waiting for their flight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, he and his team are working on a still longer chain that starts with cellulose.

The Economist

It's lucky that dolls can sit still longer than human beings.

The New Yorker

And they sit still longer when it's cold, and food is scarce.

The New York Times

By Ann Hodgman It's lucky that dolls can sit still longer than human beings.

The New Yorker

Mr Osborne, we were told, is keen to "lock in" those low borrowing costs for still longer terms.

The Economist

Believe it or not, those long long New Yorker pieces are usually cut from manuscripts that are still longer!

The New Yorker

They are less likely to get hired for a… It's lucky that dolls can sit still longer than human beings.

The New Yorker

The first transatlantic hug happened during a conference in 2006, and still longer, fiercer hugs can be imagined.

The New Yorker

The Letter for the King, by Dutch author Tonke Dragt, had to wait still longer to reach English readers.

The Guardian - Books

Even if a hibiscus flower only lasts a day, it's still longer than most moments of bliss.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A hunter wearing good camo will sit still longer, and hunt longer, because of that increased confidence level".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "still longer", ensure the context clearly establishes a previous duration or length for comparison to avoid ambiguity. If you are explaining something over time, compare two periods and say that one is "still longer" than the other.

Common error

Avoid using "still longer" when there's no prior reference to a duration or length. This can make the comparison unclear or meaningless. Always make sure there is a direct comparison to something that has already been introduced.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "still longer" is to serve as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (implied or explicit) to indicate a greater extent in duration or length than previously stated. Ludwig examples support this by showing how it extends comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still longer" is a grammatically sound comparative phrase used to denote an extension in duration or length beyond what has already been mentioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable and commonly used, especially in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, ensure a clear prior reference for comparison to avoid ambiguity. For alternatives, consider "further extended" or "even more extended" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of the comparative aspect to avoid misuse. Using "still longer" helps emphasize continuation and expansion in a variety of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further extended

Highlights the extending action with the use of the adverb further.

significantly extended

Highlights the substantial nature of the extension.

even more extended

Emphasizes the increased extension in a more descriptive way.

appreciably longer

Indicates that the increased length is noticeable or significant.

yet more prolonged

Uses "prolonged" to highlight the continuation of something over time.

more lasting still

Emphasizes the persistence or permanence of the extension.

lasting even more

Focuses on the continuation and endurance over a longer period.

an even greater duration

Focuses on the duration aspect, making it more explicit.

considerably more time

Specifies the extension in terms of time, making it more concrete.

even further out

Implies extension in physical space or abstract progression.

FAQs

How can I use "still longer" in a sentence?

"Still longer" is used to indicate that something is extended further in time or length compared to something already mentioned. For example, "The meeting lasted an hour, and the discussion continued "still longer"".

What's the difference between "even longer" and "still longer"?

While both phrases indicate an extension, "still longer" implies a continuation of something that has already been extended or lasted a certain amount of time. "Even longer" might suggest a greater degree of extension from an initial point. For instance, one would use "still longer" when a duration has already been established. If the duration has not been previously established, one could use "even longer".

Can I use "still longer" to describe physical length?

Yes, "still longer" can be used to describe physical length, but it's more commonly used for time. For example, "The hallway was long, but the corridor was "still longer" than the hallway.".

What are some alternatives to using "still longer" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "further extended", "more prolonged", or "even more extended" for a more sophisticated tone.