unusually long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'unusually long time' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something took more time than expected. For example: "He had arrived late due to an unusually long time in traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unbeknown to you, the reader, this column took an unusually long time to finish.

The New York Times

EIGHT weeks is an unusually long time for the campaigning in a run-off election.

The Economist

CONSUMERS in China's cities have had it good for an unusually long time.

The Economist

But Mr Platt persisted, taking an unusually long time to get his man.

The Economist

The Supreme Court had had the appeal under active consideration since November, an unusually long time.

The New York Times

That's an unusually long time for a private equity firm to hold a portfolio company.

The New York Times

If the parade took an unusually long time, they gave you fifteen quid.

The New Yorker

By recent standards, Mr. Boatwright's patent spent an unusually long time in the pipeline.

The New York Times

They brush their teeth together for an unusually long time so that they don't have to part.

The New York Times - Books

So when the seven elders met in April, taking an unusually long time, they tried hard to be fair.

The New York Times

Midnight's Children took an unusually long time to be published, because of a series of unfortunate events.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unusually long time", ensure the context clearly establishes what the expected or typical duration would be for comparison. For example, specify a baseline or normal range for the activity or process being described.

Common error

Avoid using "unusually long time" without providing context. Readers may not understand what is considered 'usual' in the situation, making the statement lack impact. Always provide a reference point for comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusually long time" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the duration of an event or activity. It indicates that the time taken was more extended than typically expected. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unusually long time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a duration that exceeds expectations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to emphasize that an event or activity took longer than normal. To use it effectively, provide context so that readers understand the basis for comparison. While generally neutral in tone, its impact is enhanced by specifying the typical duration alongside the "unusually long time". Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it's also used in Science and encyclopedic writing. Remember to avoid vagueness by providing a reference point for what constitutes a typical timeframe. Consider alternatives like "exceptionally long period" or "remarkably extended duration" when subtle variations in emphasis are needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally long period

Emphasizes the degree of length being beyond the norm.

remarkably extended duration

Highlights the noteworthiness of the length of time.

notably prolonged span

Indicates that the duration is significant and worth mentioning.

particularly lengthy timeframe

Focuses on the specific timeframe being considerably long.

surprisingly protracted interval

Stresses the unexpected nature of the duration.

an abnormally extended period

Indicates a departure from the standard or typical duration.

a conspicuously lengthy duration

Highlights the obvious and easily noticeable length of time.

an extraordinarily long stretch

Emphasizes the exceptional nature and continuity of the duration.

an unprecedentedly long term

Indicates that the length of time is unmatched by previous occurrences.

inordinately extended phase

Implies that the duration is excessive or unreasonable.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "unusually long time" in a sentence?

To effectively use "unusually long time", provide context that allows the reader to understand what the expected or normal duration is. For example, "The meeting took an "unusually long time", lasting over three hours, when it was scheduled for only one."

What are some alternatives to saying "unusually long time"?

Some alternatives to "unusually long time" include "exceptionally long period", "remarkably extended duration", or "notably prolonged span", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "unusually long time" and "abnormally long time"?

While both phrases indicate a duration that is longer than expected, "unusually long time" suggests something is uncommon, while "abnormally long time" ("abnormally long time") implies a deviation from the norm that could be problematic or concerning.

When is it appropriate to use "unusually long time" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "unusually long time" when you want to emphasize that something took more time than typically expected or considered normal, and when you can provide context for what that normal duration would be.