what lingers

USAGE SUMMARY

"what lingers" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that remains or stays behind after an event or experience. Example: The sweet scent of roses was what lingered in the air long after the wedding had ended.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What lingers is the truth.

The New Yorker

But what lingers is a curious sweetness.

The New York Times

But what lingers are the skirmishes along the way.

The New York Times - Arts

What lingers instead was what it was like then, and what it was like Sunday night.

The New York Times - Sports

But what lingers is the affectionate sense of family and place.

The New York Times

Yet what lingers is how quickly this computer-made creature becomes a character.

The New York Times

What lingers in Central Asia are some of the political habits bequeathed by the Soviets.

The New York Times

What lingers here is the quickness and absolute assurance displayed by so many different Astros.

The New Yorker

What lingers in my memory from 2001 is never having the opportunity again because they don't come around very often.

Independent

And anyway, what lingers most from Updike's essay is not what the fans do, but what Williams does.

The New York Times - Books

But what lingers more than anything are these quick, sure, playfully notational passages.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what lingers" to effectively convey the lasting impact or impression of an event, experience, or idea. It's particularly useful in narrative writing to create a sense of atmosphere or reflection.

Common error

Avoid using "what lingers" in overly verbose or redundant phrasing. Ensure the phrase adds meaningful emphasis rather than merely filling space.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what lingers" typically functions as a subject or a subject complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig, it introduces what is left behind or continues to affect someone or something after a specific event or period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what lingers" is a versatile phrase used to describe the lasting impact or impression of an event or experience. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts. While similar to phrases like "what remains" or "what persists", "what lingers" often carries a stronger emotional or sensory connotation. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential redundancy and ensure it adds meaningful emphasis to your writing. The analysis of numerous examples suggests a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what remains

This alternative focuses on the physical or abstract remnants that continue to exist.

what persists

This alternative emphasizes the enduring quality of something that continues despite challenges.

what endures

This alternative highlights the lasting impact or significance of something over time.

what is remembered

This shifts the focus to the memories and recollections that survive from a past event.

what stays with you

This alternative emphasizes the personal and emotional impact of something that remains in one's thoughts.

what is left behind

This focuses on the residue or consequences that an event or person has left.

the lasting impression

This alternative highlights the memorable impact that stays in someone's mind.

the remaining trace

This focuses on the subtle signs or hints that are still present.

the enduring legacy

This alternative suggests a long-term impact or heritage that continues to influence.

what resonates

This alternative points out that something continues to have effect after the triggering event has passed.

FAQs

How can I use "what lingers" in a sentence?

You can use "what lingers" to describe the lasting impact or feeling that remains after an event or experience, as in "What lingers after the concert is the feeling of pure joy."

What are some alternatives to "what lingers"?

Alternatives include "what remains", "what persists", or "the lasting impression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "what lingers" formal or informal?

"What lingers" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, making it versatile for various contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What is the difference between "what lingers" and "what remains"?

While both phrases indicate something left behind, "what lingers" often implies a more emotional or sensory residue, whereas "what remains" can refer to more tangible or concrete elements. For example: What remains after the fire are the ashes, while what lingers is the smell of smoke.