It is a long story vs It was a long story

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "It is a long story" is used when referring to a story that is still ongoing or relevant in the present. On the other hand, "It was a long story" is used when talking about a story that has already concluded or is no longer relevant in the present.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1873 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a story that is still ongoing or relevant in the present.

"It is a long story"

This phrase is used to describe a story that is currently being told or is still relevant in the present.

Examples:

I can't explain it all now; it is a long story.
It is a long story, but I'll tell you all about it later.

Show examples from the web [+]

It is a long story, and I do not have time to go into it, but for now one thing is certain: please let us learn from our experience and let us do things together.
It is not possible to give a clear answer - it is a long story.
It is a rather long story, I'm afraid.
Madam President, this is a long story.
I'm tempted to say it's a long story, but it isn't really.
This is a long story, which has been all through the Danish courts and has been the subject of many reports, debates and discussions.
It's kind of a long story, sir and I know that's one of my weaknesses, telling long stories and rambling so...
Long story. It's a long story - The reasons I thought we should break up.
It's such a long story, Mom.
The end of a long story, involving a greasy pawnbroker and some hardcore negotiating.
It's a long story, guys.
Actually, it's a long story...
Actually, it's a long story...
- It's a long story, Martin.
Yours was a long story longer.
It's kind of a long story.
- It's a long story, pal.
Shark bite - that's a long story.
It's a long story, don't worry.
It's a long story, Rubén.

Alternatives:

This story is long.
The story is lengthy.
It's a lengthy story.
The story is quite long.
This is a long tale.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a story that has already concluded or is no longer relevant in the present.

"It was a long story"

This phrase is used to describe a story that has already been told or is no longer relevant in the present.

Examples:

I finally finished telling him about the incident; it was a long story.
It was a long story, but I'm glad I got to share it with you.

Show examples from the web [+]

She said it was a long story, from a different life.
I mean, the other day you told me it was a long story.
It was a very long and convincing story.
Do you remember when you asked me about my father, and I told you that it was a... long story?
Yours was a long story longer.
To cut a long story short, it was a con.
It's a long story, But I lied to my mom, And it was to protect charlotte.
Look, it's a long story, And it was important for our guests to win.
It's kind of a long story, sir and I know that's one of my weaknesses, telling long stories and rambling so...
Long story. It's a long story - The reasons I thought we should break up.
It's such a long story, Mom.
The end of a long story, involving a greasy pawnbroker and some hardcore negotiating.
It's a long story, guys.
Actually, it's a long story...
Actually, it's a long story...
- It's a long story, Martin.
It's kind of a long story.
- It's a long story, pal.
Shark bite - that's a long story.
It's a long story, don't worry.

Alternatives:

That story was long.
The story was lengthy.
It was a lengthy story.
The story was quite long.
That was a long tale.

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It is a long story vs It was a long story

"It is a long story"

"It was a long story"

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