thinking about the long term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinking about the long term" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing strategies, planning, or considerations that extend beyond immediate concerns or short-term outcomes. Example: "In business, it's essential to be thinking about the long term to ensure sustainable growth and success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In these circumstances, do you still have the luxury of thinking about the long term?

The New York Times

The financial industry got itself in trouble by not thinking about the long term.

The New Yorker

But I can't stop thinking about the long term and how the past and the present lead to the future.

The Guardian

Both companies need to be thinking about the long term as well as the quarterly financial results.

TechCrunch

This is a serious problem when we are thinking about the long term effects," one of Greenpeace's scientists, Herwig Schuster, told the BBC.

BBC

Oscar-winning writer/director, Paul Haggis, also began publicly addressing the fact that we need to be thinking about the long term effects of war when his 2007 movie "In the Valley of Elah" was released by Warner Brothers.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I do think today is a wake-up call when it comes to thinking about the long-term future of the shipbuilding industry in Scotland - even with the Type 26 contracts, we're seeing a significant downsizing of the industry on the Clyde, and the Type 26 is the last of the guaranteed MoD work.

BBC

He's thinking about the long-term prosperity of the nation.

The New York Times

They seek short-term fixes to their problems without thinking about the long-term consequences.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They'd been conditioned to grab as much as they could without thinking about the long-term consequences.

The New York Times - Books

Despite having re-entered politics at the request of Gillard, Carr eventually voted for Rudd's reinstatement as prime minister, saying he was "thinking about the long-term viability" of the party in the face of dire opinion polling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thinking about the long term", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific area or subject being considered for its future implications. For example, "thinking about the long term effects of climate change".

Common error

Avoid using "thinking about the long term" in vague contexts. Always provide specific details or examples to clarify what aspects of the long term are being considered. For instance, instead of simply saying "we are thinking about the long term", specify "we are thinking about the long term financial sustainability of the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking about the long term" functions primarily as a verbal phrase that describes a process of consideration. It typically introduces or supports a statement about future planning, effects, or implications. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates a deliberate and thoughtful approach.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thinking about the long term" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey the importance of considering future implications. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While frequently found in News & Media and Science, its neutral register allows for broad application. To use the phrase effectively, ensure that the context clearly specifies the aspects of the long term under consideration, avoiding overly broad statements. Alternatives such as "considering future implications" or "planning for the future" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

planning for the future

Emphasizes the act of making arrangements for upcoming events or periods.

anticipating long-term consequences

Highlights the importance of foreseeing the potential outcomes of decisions.

considering future implications

Focuses on the consequences that may arise later.

considering the lasting effects

Shifts the emphasis to the enduring impact of actions.

taking a long-range view

Highlights a perspective that extends far into the future.

strategizing for the years ahead

Highlights the development of plans for long-term success.

adopting a forward-thinking approach

Suggests a proactive and innovative mindset.

focusing on sustainability

Implies an emphasis on maintaining resources for the future.

envisaging future scenarios

Focuses on creating mental images of potential future situations.

forecasting future outcomes

Concentrates on predicting potential results over an extended period.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "thinking about the long term" in a sentence?

Incorporate "thinking about the long term" when you want to convey that decisions or considerations extend beyond immediate results, focusing instead on future impacts. For instance, "When implementing new policies, it's crucial to be "thinking about the long term" benefits and potential drawbacks".

What are some alternatives to "thinking about the long term"?

You can use phrases like "considering future implications", "planning for the future", or "taking a long-range view" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "thinking about the long term" or "thinking about the long-term"?

Both forms are acceptable. "Thinking about the long term" and "thinking about the long-term" are generally interchangeable. The hyphenated form is often used when "long-term" acts as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., "long-term goals").

What does it mean to prioritize "thinking about the long term" in strategic planning?

Prioritizing "thinking about the long term" in strategic planning means focusing on the enduring impact of decisions and actions, aiming for sustainable outcomes rather than short-lived gains. It involves assessing potential future consequences and adapting strategies accordingly.