long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).long and (for) a long time

1
long in questions and negatives
Long (meaning ‘(for) a long time’) is most common in questions and negative clauses, and
with restrictive words like hardly, seldom.
Have you been waiting long?
It doesn’t take long to get to her house.
She seldom stays long.
2
(for) a long time in affirmative clauses
In affirmative clauses we usually prefer (for) a long time.
I waited (for) a long time, but she didn’t arrive. (NOT I waited long …)
It takes a long time to get to her house. (NOT It takes long …)
3
long in affirmative clauses
However, long is used in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so, and in a few other
common expressions.
The meeting went on much too long.
I’ve been working here long enough. Time to get a new job.
You can stay as long as you want.
Sorry I took so long.
I’ll be back before long.
She sits dreaming all day long. (also all night/week/year long)
Long is also used in affirmative clauses to modify adverbs and conjunctions.
We used to live in Paris, but that was long before you were born.
Long after the accident he used to dream that he was dying.
Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess. (rather formal)
4
for a long time in negative clauses
When for a long time is used in a negative clause, it sometimes has a different meaning from
for long. Compare:
– She didn’t speak for long. (= She only spoke for a short time.)
She didn’t speak for a long time. (This could mean ‘She was silent for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time she didn’t speak).
– He didn’t work for long. (= He soon stopped working.)
He didn’t work for a long time. (This could mean ‘He was unemployed for a long time’ – the
same as For a long time he didn’t work).
The reason for the difference is to do with the ‘scope of negation’: in the first and third
sentences, not goes with for long, but in the second and fourth for a long time is outside the
influence of not (it could go at the beginning of the clause).
5
How long are you here for?
Questions like How long are you here for? refer to the future. Compare:
‘How long are you here for?’ ‘Until the end of next week.’
‘How long have you been here for?’ ‘Since last Monday.’
6
comparative
The comparative of for a long time is (for) longer.
I hope you’ll stay longer next time. (NOT … for a longer time.)
For no longer, ▶ 535.
Much, many and far are also more common in questions and negative clauses ( ▶ 165, ▶
461).