very long hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very long hours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is working for an extended period of time, often more than what is considered typical or reasonable. Example: "During the busy season, employees are often required to work very long hours to meet deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I used to work very long hours.

The New York Times

You work very long hours.

The Guardian - Money

It captured five very long hours.

The New Yorker

I work very long hours, often 16 hours a day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I do very long hours, including night shifts.

The Guardian

Many students have to work very long hours to survive".

The Guardian

Only 2% of people in full-time employment work very long hours.

Independent

There could be trouble after the pubs came out, and he worked very long hours.

Independent

But they worked very long hours, because their numbers have been cut by 600.

The Guardian

"Whatever kind of pub you run, you work very long hours for little reward.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In IT that creates huge problems because you need people for very long hours.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing work conditions or expectations, use "very long hours" to clearly convey the significant time commitment involved. This phrase is easily understood and relatable across various professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of working "very long hours" unless supported by evidence. Instead of saying it's "impossible to maintain a healthy lifestyle", consider "challenging to balance work and personal well-being."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very long hours" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase modifying a noun (often 'work' or 'shifts'). It specifies the duration of time spent on a particular activity, typically work. Ludwig confirms this is a correct phrase and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very long hours" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe extensive work periods. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used across news, scientific, and business contexts to emphasize the significant time commitment required for a task or job. While there are alternative phrases like "extended working hours" or "protracted hours", "very long hours" is easily understood and relatable. When using this phrase, ensure that any related statements are accurate and avoid exaggeration. Be mindful of the potential negative implications associated with such extended work periods.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended working hours

Focuses on the extension of standard work periods.

protracted hours

Implies that the hours are longer than expected or desired.

extensive hours

Highlights the breadth or scope of the time commitment.

excessive work hours

Emphasizes that the hours are beyond a reasonable or acceptable limit.

demanding work schedule

Shifts focus to the intensity and rigor of the schedule.

around-the-clock shifts

Highlights continuous or non-stop work.

grueling hours

Emphasizes the exhausting and physically demanding nature of the work.

intensive work period

Emphasizes a period of concentrated effort.

unusually long shifts

Highlights the uncommon length of the work periods.

unreasonable work schedule

Highlights that the schedule is not practical.

FAQs

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

You can use "very long hours" to describe work schedules or periods of intense activity. For example, "The project required us to work "very long hours" to meet the deadline" or "Medical residents often work "very long hours" during their training.".

What are some alternatives to "very long hours"?

Alternatives include "extended working hours", "protracted hours", or "extensive hours". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "long hours" or "very long hours"?

"Very long hours" emphasizes the excessive nature of the time commitment, whereas "long hours" is a more general description. Use "very long hours" when you want to highlight that the hours are unusually or unreasonably extended.

What are the effects of working "very long hours"?

Working "very long hours" can lead to increased stress, burnout, and potential health problems. It's important to prioritize work-life balance and ensure adequate rest and recovery.