that much longer

USAGE SUMMARY

"that much longer" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is longer than expected or desired. Here are some examples: 1) "I can't wait for this meeting to be over. It's dragging on that much longer than usual." 2) "The flight delay was frustrating, but luckily it was only an hour. It could have been that much longer." 3) "I wish summer break could last that much longer. Going back to school is always bittersweet." 4) "I estimated the project would take two weeks, but with all the unexpected challenges, it ended up taking that much longer." 5) "The hike was supposed to be only five miles, but with our detour, it ended up being that much longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I can't dance that much longer," he says, almost with bewilderment.

The New Yorker

Snowmobilers, on no endangered-species list, may not prowl all that much longer.

The Economist

It will take our country that much longer to work out the kinks.

The New York Times

So our musical friend could sit on the project that much longer.

The Guardian

"When the market collapses, it makes the road to profitability all that much longer".

The New York Times

The other added, "Unfortunately, the engines were pretty good, which kept the cars on the road that much longer".

The New York Times

Not because recidivist journalists will flout the new arrangements, but for the reason that newspapers themselves won't be around for that much longer.

Independent

One need look no further than Facebook to remember why a bumpy offering doesn't mean all that much longer term.

TechCrunch

Our biggest objection is that it adds an extra layer to every function, so that your eyes are off the road that much longer.

Forbes

This pattern will not last that much longer.

Huffington Post

"At least we can stay on the job that much longer," Gonzales said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that much longer" to compare durations, implying a noticeable or significant increase. For example, "The meeting ran 'that much longer' than scheduled, so we missed our train."

Common error

Do not use "that much longer" when a simple adjective like "longer" suffices. For example, instead of "The line was 'that much longer' than expected", simply say "The line was longer than expected."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that much longer" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate a comparative increase in duration. Ludwig examples illustrate its role in expressing how one period extends beyond another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that much longer" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase to indicate an extended duration, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to compare durations, implying a noticeable increase. While versatile, it's important to avoid redundancy and opt for simpler phrasing when appropriate. Considering these guidelines ensures clarity and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly longer

Emphasizes the considerable increase in duration, making it more emphatic than the original phrase.

considerably longer

Similar to "significantly longer", highlighting a substantial increase in time.

appreciably longer

Highlights that the increase in duration is noticeable or measurable.

noticeably longer

Indicates the duration is extended to the point where it is easily observed.

a great deal longer

Emphasizes the extent of the increase in time, using a more descriptive expression.

a lot longer

A more informal way of expressing a considerable extension of time.

for a longer duration

Uses a more formal tone, focusing on the length of time rather than the comparison.

an extended period

Shifts the focus to the entire span of time being longer rather than the specific increase.

for a greater length of time

Formal and focuses on the extended duration, suitable for technical contexts.

a prolonged time

Implies the extended duration may be undesirable or unexpected.

FAQs

How can I use "that much longer" in a sentence?

Use "that much longer" to indicate an extension in time that is greater than initially expected. For instance, "If the repairs take "that much longer", we'll have to reschedule the event".

What phrases are similar to "that much longer"?

Alternatives include "significantly longer", "considerably longer", or "noticeably longer". The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is there a more formal way to say "that much longer"?

Yes, phrases like "for a longer duration" or "for a greater length of time" are more formal alternatives appropriate for technical or professional contexts.

When should I avoid using "that much longer"?

Avoid using "that much longer" when it adds unnecessary length or complexity to your sentence. If the comparison is clear without it, a simple adjective like "longer" may be more effective.