that has long existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'that has long existed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that has been around for a long time. For example, "The Great Wall of China is an ancient structure that has long existed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Fair housing and civil rights advocates praised the study, saying it provides clear evidence of a reality that has long existed on Long Island.

The New York Times

Wakefield's scaremongering tapped into an inherent and pre-existing fear or mistrust of vaccines that has long existed among some parents.

BBC

This week has seen the blossoming of a look that has long existed in Paris.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That new intimacy, several Arab analysts said, is deepening the hostility that has long existed.

The New York Times

And it embraces the market-based system of private health care delivery that has long existed in America.

The New York Times

The distance that has long existed between the gay rights and civil rights movements has complex roots.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The album brought to a boil racial divisions that had long existed in jazz.

The New York Times - Arts

The sharp contrasts that have long existed between urban and rural Cambodians have broken down to some extent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In any case, the excommunication merely formalized in a dramatic and spectacular manner a state of affairs that had long existed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are meant to impose on the Internet the same kind of truth-in-advertising principles that have long existed offline.

The New York Times - Tech

"But those of us who worked with photographs knew instinctively that he worked in a tradition that had long existed," he added.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger synonyms like "time-honored" or "age-old" if you're seeking a more evocative or descriptive tone.

Common error

Avoid using "that has long existed" when describing relatively recent phenomena. This phrase is best suited for subjects with a genuinely extensive history.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that has long existed" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by providing additional information about its history or duration. This clause adds depth and context to the subject, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that has long existed" functions as a relative clause, used to highlight the prolonged existence or established nature of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed, particularly in news and media, reflecting a neutral to formal register. It’s best practice to reserve this phrase for subjects with a genuinely extensive history, avoiding its use for recent phenomena. Consider stronger synonyms like "time-honored" or "age-old" to convey a more evocative tone when appropriate. With its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering the appropriate use of "that has long existed" can enhance the depth and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that has a long-standing presence

Emphasizes the continued presence and influence over a long period.

which has a long history

Focuses on the historical aspect and development over time.

that dates back centuries

Focuses on the temporal aspect and how far back it extends in time.

that has been established for many years

Highlights the establishment and stability over a long period.

that is deeply rooted in history

Emphasizes the deep connection to historical events and periods.

which has been around for a long time

More informal and emphasizes the duration of existence.

which is a longstanding practice

Focuses on the practice aspect that has been present for a considerable time.

which has ancient origins

Emphasizes the ancient roots and beginnings of something.

that is a time-honored tradition

Highlights the tradition aspect that has been respected due to its age.

which has existed since antiquity

Emphasizes the existence since ancient times.

FAQs

How can I use "that has long existed" in a sentence?

You can use "that has long existed" to describe something with a significant history or prolonged presence, such as "The tradition of afternoon tea is one "that has long existed" in British culture".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "that has long existed"?

Alternatives include "which has a long history", "that has been established for many years", or "that dates back centuries". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that has existed for a long time" instead of "that has long existed"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "that has long existed" is more concise and often sounds more sophisticated. "That has existed for a long time" is a more verbose alternative.

What's the difference between "that has long existed" and "that has always existed"?

"That has long existed" implies existence for a considerable period, whereas "that has always existed" suggests existence since the beginning of time or memory. The former is more suitable for finite durations, while the latter implies perpetuity.