very long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very long" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe the duration or length of something. For example, "I had to wait in line for what seemed like a very long time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A very long time.

The New York Times

It wasn't very long.

The New York Times - Arts

"Not very long".

The New Yorker

(Very long pause).

The New Yorker

It's very long term.

The New York Times

A very long nose.

Independent

AL: Long, very long.

Stanford University

Time Very long.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But not very long.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Very long-lasting".

The Guardian

They think very long-term.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very long" to emphasize the extended nature of something, whether it's time, distance, or physical length. For variety, consider synonyms like "extremely lengthy" or "considerably extended" depending on the specific context.

Common error

In formal or scientific writing, overuse of intensifiers like "very" can weaken your prose. Replace "very long" with a more precise adjective such as "extensive", "prolonged", or "protracted" to add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very long" functions as an intensified adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize its extended duration, length, or size. It is used to highlight that something exceeds the typical or expected length, as confirmed by Ludwig and supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very long" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the extended nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to highlight considerable length, duration, or distance across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. While its usage is broad, remember that substituting it with more precise adjectives like "extensive" or "prolonged" can enhance clarity and sophistication in formal prose. So, while "very long" is generally acceptable, consider context-appropriate alternatives for richer expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely lengthy

This phrase emphasizes the considerable length or duration.

considerably extended

This highlights a notable increase in length or duration.

remarkably prolonged

This suggests an unusual or unexpected extension in time.

exceptionally protracted

This implies an unusually long duration, often with negative connotations.

significantly extended

This emphasizes the importance or impact of the extended duration.

inordinately extensive

This suggests that something is excessively long or detailed.

appreciably sustained

This conveys a duration that is noticeably maintained.

noticeably elongated

This emphasizes the visible or apparent lengthening of something.

terribly prolonged

This conveys a particularly undesirable or tedious length.

extraordinarily sustained

This indicates an exceptional continuation over a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "very long" in a sentence?

You can use "very long" to describe the duration, length, or distance of something. For example, "The meeting was "very long"," "The path was "very long" and winding," or "She has "very long" hair".

What are some alternatives to "very long"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "extensive", "prolonged", "lengthy", or "protracted" to convey a similar meaning to "very long".

Is it grammatically correct to say "very long"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Very" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "long", intensifying its meaning.

When should I use "very long" versus more specific adjectives?

Use "very long" for general emphasis. For more formal or precise writing, consider adjectives that more specifically describe the nature of the length, such as "extensive" (covering a large area), "protracted" (lasting longer than expected), or "lengthy" (of considerable length).