they keep it for so long vs they keep it for a long time

Both phrases are correct and convey a similar meaning. 'They keep it for so long' is more informal and conversational, while 'they keep it for a long time' is slightly more formal. The choice between them depends on the context and the desired tone of the sentence.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 7485 views

they keep it for so long

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts.

This phrase is used to express that something is kept for a long duration in an informal and conversational way.

Examples:

They keep their old car for so long that it's practically a vintage now.
I can't believe they kept the secret for so long.
She kept the dress for so long that it went out of style.
Why do they keep the lights on for so long?
They keep the tradition alive for so long.

Show examples from the web [+]

No need to keep staring so long.
I keep it long in the winter.
Why else would they keep silent for so long?
I'm in a band and... you know, you got to keep it long to keep the ladies happy.
However, on the issue of the common consolidated corporate tax base, the EPLP keeps its long established view that this is a case of national sovereignty.
Anne, we just got to keep it alive long enough to question it.
Then I'll always keep it this long.
Depends on how long they keep you.
...and tried to keep it alive as long as I could.
Don't keep it on too long.
No, Hertz keeps its vehicles too long.
No, Hertz keeps its vehicles too long.
He said Lisa and Ben keep long as we sit on our thumbs.
I don't normally keep it this long. I'm just growing it out for locks of love.
But you'd better tell 'em not to keep it too long at the printers.
For its part, the EU will guarantee, in another third country, fishing opportunities that will help keep its long-distance fishing fleet operational.
Look, guys, I can only keep this quiet so long.
And so you can keep believing, so long as it stays hid.
And we'll keep doing business so long as you protect your client and mine, Jake Berman.
If the class keeps its revolt going long enough, in the end no teaching method will work.

Alternatives:

they keep it for a long time
they hold onto it for an extended period
they retain it for an extended duration
they maintain it for a prolonged period
they preserve it for an extended time

they keep it for a long time

This phrase is correct and slightly more formal than the alternative.

This phrase is used to indicate that something is retained or maintained for an extended period in a slightly more formal context.

Examples:

They keep the documents for a long time for legal purposes.
I plan to keep this souvenir for a long time.
She kept the promise for a long time before breaking it.
Why do they keep the store open for such a long time?
They keep the memories alive for a long time.

Show examples from the web [+]

We can salt and cure the meat, and we can keep it for a long time.
Spirit keeps for a long time.
Then you'll keep looking for a long time.
The crop will keep for a long time, and the yield is better than wheat.
You might keep here a long time, an awful long time.
You'll keep your heart a long time.
You've gotten away with it for a long time.
He had it for a long time too.
There was a high after I won and I rode it for a long time.
I thought about it for a long time.
And you must have planned it for a long time.
Like solving a math problem after working on it for a long time, I felt refreshed.
We've discussed it for a long time.
You could have been considering it for a long time.
Then you can enjoy it for a long time.
But I couldn't forget it for a long time.
I felt it for a long time.
You might keep here a long time, an awful long time.
With the proper treatment, we should be able to keep it at bay for a long time.
With the proper treatment, we should be able to keep it at bay for a long time.

Alternatives:

they keep it for so long
they hold onto it for an extended period
they retain it for an extended duration
they maintain it for a prolonged period
they preserve it for an extended time

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they keep it for so long vs they keep it for a long time