Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a sentence, complicated by the decision of whether to spell out long term or long-term? You are not in this alone. Numerous writers, students, and even professionals face a dilemma with this grammar issue. The distinction between long term and long term is small, however, they are semantically very different and need to be used appropriately, especially in formal writing.
To give you a perspective: a tiny dash can change the complete function of a word pair. “Long term” can be disastrous if used in the wrong sentence, however, with “long term” the work is a mess. So, which one do you use and when?
In this guide, the rules will presented in a manner that is easier to follow, explain their meanings and to provide examples that illustrate the concept better. At the end of this reference, you will confidently know whether it is “long term” or “long term” and if it requires a hyphen. It is imperative to know this so that your writing is professionally clear and grammatical correct.
Long term or Long-term – What’s the Difference?
The main difference between long term and long-term is their grammatical function in a sentence.
- Long-term (with a hyphen) is an adjective that describes a noun.
- Long term (without a hyphen) is a noun phrase that acts as a subject or object in a sentence.
For example:
- “We need a long-term strategy for success.” (Adjective modifying “strategy”)
- “She plans to invest for the long term.” (Noun phrase, meaning an extended period)
- “Their long-term relationship has stood the test of time.” (Adjective modifying “relationship”)
- “The benefits will be evident in the long term.” (Noun phrase referring to a time frame)
- “A long-term commitment requires careful planning.” (Adjective modifying “commitment”)
To understand this difference better, let’s explore each term separately.
What Is “Long-Term”?
Definition
The term you are likely referring to is a hyphenated word composed of the two words ‘long’ and ‘term.’ This is used to modify a noun that focuses on a period of time. This phrase is often utilized in professional and informal settings to signify something that is intended to be in place or anticipated for many years to come.
Examples in Sentences:
- The company has a long-term business plan to expand internationally.
- His long-term goals include becoming a published author and launching his own publishing company.
- Investing in real estate is a long-term commitment that requires patience and strategic planning.
- She is looking for a long-term solution to her health issues rather than a quick fix.
- Building strong customer relationships is part of our long-term marketing strategy.
When to Use It?
Employs “long term” immediately before a noun associated to a period of time in question. This helps to avoid ambiguities in writing and also makes it look more professional.
Read Also: What Does WTV Mean in Text? Simple Explanation & Examples
What Is “Long Term”?
Definition
Long-term, without a hyphen, refers to an extended period of time as a noun phrase This means it can follow prepositions such as for, over, or in, thus functioning as a subject or object in a sentence instead of modifying a word.
Examples in Sentences:
- She is thinking about her finances for the long term.
- The effects of climate change will be felt in the long term.
- He prefers short-term contracts over those that last for the long term.
- Many successful investors focus on the long term, avoiding short-term market fluctuations.
- In the long term, regular exercise leads to better health and a longer life.
- Our goal is to create sustainable growth that benefits the company in the long term.
When to Use It?
Use term with care in sentence structures that pertain to long periods of time. Consider it only as a noun phrase and, never an adjective. If you’re not certain, determine whether it is changing another noun. In case it is, the correct version to use is ‘long-term.’
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Writers tend to make errors by adding a hyphen to long term. This, however, is a common mistake as it serves to add confusion rather than clear up any grammatical issues. Such small discrepancies have the potential to alter the meaning of an entire sentence, therefore hindering the professionalism of one’s writing. Being able to know the correct use of these terms assists in enhancing the clarity of writing. Below are common mistakes and how to rectify them:
❌ Incorrect: We need a long term strategy.
✅ Correct: We need a long-term strategy.
In the first example, “long term” is acting as an adjective modifying “strategy,” so it requires a hyphen to form a compound adjective.
❌ Incorrect: She plans to stay long-term.
✅ Correct: She plans to stay for the long term.
In this sentence, “long term” is a noun phrase referring to an extended period, so no hyphen is needed. Paying attention to these small details will help you write with greater confidence and accuracy.
Comparison Table: Long-Term vs Long Term
| Aspect | Long-Term | Long Term |
| Part of Speech | Adjective | Noun phrase |
| Usage | Describes a noun | Refers to a period of time |
| Example | “A long-term solution” | “In the long term, profits will rise” |
| Common Mistake | Writing “long term” as an adjective | Hyphenating “long term” when used as a noun |
Synonyms and Antonyms
| Word | Synonyms | Antonyms |
| Long-term | Prolonged, lasting, enduring | Short-term, temporary |
| Long term | Future, duration, extended period | Immediate, short span |
Is “Longterm” a Word?
No, “longterm” (without a space or hyphen) is wrong in Standard English. Use long term or long-term depending on the context. The selection is made correctly with respect to grammar rules which differentiate between adjectives and noun phrases.
Numerous authors consider the term “longterm” as valid word usage, but standard dictionaries and style guides do not endorse it. To avoid confusion and enhance professionalism in the text, writers should always break up the two parts or where necessary use a hyphen.
Read Also: Purposed vs Proposed: Don’t Mix Them Up! Easy Guide
Which One Should You Use? (Quick Tips)
- If it’s describing something, use the hyphen (e.g., long-term goals).
- If it’s referring to a period of time, leave out the hyphen (e.g., in the long term).
- Never write “longterm” as a single word.
- Always double-check whether “long term” is functioning as a noun phrase or an adjective before deciding on hyphenation.
- If you’re unsure, try replacing “long term” with another adjective—if the sentence still makes sense, use the hyphen.
- Remember, proper usage of “long-term” and “long term” makes your writing look polished and professional.
Final Thoughts
Knowing where to hyphenate long-term, as in long term or long-term, is a useful detail that enhances the proficiency and clarity of your writing. As you would expect, tiny details like hyphens are quite central to sentence meaning and structure.
Once your writing is completed, ensure to read through it again. By doing so, you can make sure every grammatical mistake has been corrected. Your readers will appreciate the message you set out to communicate. As you write your next drafts, try to use these phrases correctly and see the difference it brings in quality and professionalism to your drafts. Practice always brings results, and soon “long term” and “long-term” will be phrases that are effortlessly used by you.
