Long Term or Long-Term: What’s the Right Choice in Writing?

When you hear “long term” or “long-term,” you might think they mean the same thing. But, in writing, they have slightly different uses. Let’s dive into these two phrases and figure out when to use each one.

Why is There Confusion?

The confusion comes from how “Long Term or Long-Term” look and sound. People often mix them up because they both deal with time. They also share a similar meaning. The key difference lies in how they are used in a sentence.

One is a noun phrase, and the other is an adjective. Knowing the difference can help you write more clearly and correctly.

What Does “Long Term” (with space) Mean?

“Long term” refers to something happening over a long period. It’s a noun phrase, which means it functions as the subject or object of a sentence.

For example:

• “In the long term, saving money will help you.”
• “She’s thinking about the benefits in the long term.”

Here, “long term” is the idea or concept of a lengthy duration.

READ MORE: What’s the Plural of Syllabus? Syllabuses or Syllabi?

What Does “Long-Term” (hyphenated) Mean?

“Long-term” is an adjective. It describes something that lasts for or relates to a long period.

For example:

• “They have a long-term plan for their business.”
• “His health improved thanks to long-term treatment.”

The hyphen connects the words and shows they work together to describe a noun.

“Long Term” vs “Long-Term”: The Differences

“Long Term” as a Noun Phrase

Use “long term” when you need a thing or concept in your sentence. It can act as the subject or object.

Examples:

• “The long term of this decision looks promising.”
• “We’re focusing on the long term, not the short term.”

“Long-Term” as an Adjective

Use “long-term” when describing something specific. It tells us about the length of time for an action, plan, or result.

Examples:

• “He is in a long-term relationship.”
• “The project requires long-term commitment.”

Synonyms For “Long Term” and “Long-Term”

If you’re not sure which term to use, you can sometimes swap them with synonyms. Let’s look at options for both forms.

Synonyms for “Long Term” (Noun Phrase)

• The future
• Extended period
• Distant horizon
• Far-off time

Examples:

• “In the future, we’ll see the benefits.”
• “Over an extended period, habits can change.”

Synonyms for “Long-Term” (Adjective)

• Lasting
• Enduring
• Prolonged
• Sustained

Examples:

• “They need an enduring strategy.”
• “This issue calls for prolonged attention.”

Examples in Context

Examples Using “Long Term” (Noun Phrase)

• “The long term effects of pollution are concerning.”
• “Investments should be planned with the long term in mind.”
• “We’re evaluating the long term, not just quick fixes.”

Examples Using “Long-Term” (Adjective)

• “They signed a long-term lease for the apartment.”
• “Her long-term goals include starting a business.”
• “A long-term solution is better than a temporary one.”

Origins of “Long Term or Long-Term”

Origins of “Long Term”

The phrase “long term” has been around for centuries. It evolved from the combination of “long” (meaning extended) and “term” (meaning period). It became popular in economics and finance to talk about investments over years.

Origins of “Long-Term”

The hyphenated form, “long-term,” appeared later. It became common in writing when clarity was needed. Writers wanted to show that “long” and “term” worked together to describe something.

ALSO READ: What is the Past Tense of Swing? Is it Swing, Swang, or Swung?

A Final Look at “Long Term or Long-Term”

Here’s a simple way to remember:

• Use “long term” when talking about a period of time as a thing (noun).
• Use “long-term” when describing something about time (adjective).

Sources

• Oxford English Dictionary
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary
• The Chicago Manual of Style