{"id":9954,"date":"2022-10-06T19:15:09","date_gmt":"2022-10-06T19:15:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=9954"},"modified":"2022-10-06T19:15:09","modified_gmt":"2022-10-06T19:15:09","slug":"in-the-long-run-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/in-the-long-run-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"In The Long Run \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Has anyone ever told you that things will work out eventually? Maybe you have been working towards a goal and the end is nowhere in sight. If so, the phrase in the long run may come in handy. Let\u2019s dive into what it means and how to use it. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

Anything that takes time to complete or to produce results is considered a long run. The general meaning of the phrase is that something will show results far into the future. The time-lapse for something \u201cin the long run\u201d can range from 3 years to 20 years or more. It is used to refer to things that take time and effort to complete as opposed to those that offer results within a short time frame. For example, running a mile each day will produce positive health benefits over time as opposed to after a single run.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A lengthy period of time or an extensive amount of time passed also explains the meaning of the long run. When someone wants to invest in their future, such as by getting in shape, or even by furthering their education, they are looking for results in the long run. Basically, anything that has extended date of completion can be considered in the long run.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cProper hygiene and using the right products will give you glowing skin In the long run\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the long run, we want to upload as many pictures of our patient\u2019s progress\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cTaking the time to work out at least once a day will produce great results in the long run\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you don\u2019t like waking up early, but the habit will have great benefits in the long run\u201d.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

The phrase in the long run was coined in the early part of the 1600s. It was first used to refer to a marathon runner who needed encouragement to complete his long journey. Later on, the phrase was used by John Maynard Keynes, who is a noted economist. In a quip about economic planning, he states, that in the long run, everyone will be dead. The phrase was also used by George Eliot in 1879 in reference to someone\u2019s marriage. He mentioned that it will either have a short run or go on for the long run.<\/p>\n