tarry too long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tarry too long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is lingering or delaying for an excessive amount of time. Example: "If you tarry too long at the station, you might miss your train."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The company still needs a chief executive, since Mr. Johnson is unlikely to tarry too long.

The New York Times

The architectural pilgrim should not tarry too long: a recent admirer closely inspecting the newly cleaned stone was politely but firmly challenged by a guard, told to move along and to appreciate the facade from across the street.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

History is filled with cautionary tales of people who tarried too long on the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

Then, before she could attract attention for tarrying too long, she was gone.

The New York Times

The sweetness of the butternut squash stuffing in cappellaci di zucca was offset by slices of prosciutto, but the edges of the filled pastas were lamentably dry; presumably the plate had tarried too long in the kitchen.

The New York Times

Or maybe he had driven his sheep up to summer pastures, as local shepherds still do, and tarried too long, to be caught by an early snowstorm and buried at the bottom of a glacier for five millenniums.

The New York Times - Books

"MY love!" trilled a tenor after I'd tarried perhaps a bit too long in the comfortable if generic dressing room, trying on a not-un-Missoni-like long knit cardigan, vest and flared pants.

The New York Times

For too long have we tarried in the dismal sunless cities of the East.

The New Yorker

O let us be married, too long we have tarried; But what shall we do for a ring?' They sailed away, for a year and a day, To the land where the Bong-tree grows, And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood With a ring at the end of his nose, his nose, his nose, With a ring at the end of his nose.

The Guardian

(Too long).

The New York Times

Sometimes too long.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "tarry too long" can add a touch of elegance to your writing, but be mindful of your audience; simpler phrases may be more effective for broader communication.

Common error

Avoid using "tarry too long" in casual or informal contexts, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stay too long" or "linger too much" when communicating with a general audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tarry too long" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used within a clause to indicate that someone is delaying or lingering excessively. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in English. Examples show it modifying the verb, specifying the duration of the action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tarry too long" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon expression used to describe excessive delaying or lingering. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While it appears primarily in news and media contexts, its slightly formal tone makes it suitable for situations where a more sophisticated vocabulary is desired. Consider simpler alternatives like "stay too long" or "linger too much" for broader communication. Avoid overusing it in casual settings to prevent sounding stilted. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "tarry too long" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain too long

A more straightforward way of expressing the same idea.

stay too long

Simple and direct, focusing on the duration of staying.

linger excessively

Emphasizes the act of staying longer than necessary.

wait too long

Implies a delay in action due to waiting.

delay unduly

Focuses on postponing action more than what is appropriate.

linger too much

Emphasizes the degree of lingering.

overstay one's welcome

Highlights the social inappropriateness of staying too long.

hesitate excessively

Focuses on pausing or delaying due to uncertainty or reluctance.

dawdle unnecessarily

Implies wasting time with aimless lingering.

procrastinate excessively

Focuses on delaying a task or decision beyond a reasonable point.

FAQs

How can I use "tarry too long" in a sentence?

You can use "tarry too long" to describe someone lingering or delaying excessively. For example, "If you "linger too long" at the station, you might miss your train."

What are some alternatives to saying "tarry too long"?

Some alternatives include ""linger too long"", "delay unduly", or "remain too long", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tarry too long" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "tarry too long" is not as common as simpler alternatives like "stay too long" or "wait too long". Its usage is more suited for formal or literary contexts.

What does "tarry too long" imply?

"Tarry too long" implies that someone is delaying or lingering beyond what is necessary or appropriate, often with a hint of old-fashioned or formal language. It suggests a prolonged stay that might be unwelcome or unproductive.