If you’ve ever paused while typing and asked yourself, “Wait, is it long term or long-term?” — you’re not alone.
Even professional writers, editors, and native English speakers often hesitate before choosing whether to use a hyphen. That tiny dash might look trivial, but it actually changes how the phrase functions grammatically.
Understanding the difference isn’t just about good grammar. It’s about clarity, precision, and credibility. Whether you’re writing an essay, business report, or blog post, choosing the right form—“long term” or “long-term”—affects how your message reads and how professional it sounds.
By the end of this article, you’ll never second-guess this again. Let’s start with the quick answer.
Quick Answer: The Fast Rule You Can Remember
Here’s the rule of thumb you can keep for life:
✅ Use “long-term” when it comes before a noun.
✅ Use “long term” when it stands alone or follows a preposition.
| Usage Type | Correct Form | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Before a noun (adjective) | long-term | We developed a long-term strategy. |
| After a preposition or verb (noun phrase) | long term | In the long term, hard work pays off. |
Think of it like this: if long-term describes something, it needs a hyphen to stay connected. If you’re talking about something, no hyphen is needed.
Why the Confusion Exists
The confusion between “long term” and “long-term” comes from how English forms compound words.
Many compound expressions in English go through three life stages:
- Open form: written as two words (long term).
- Hyphenated form: written with a dash (long-term).
- Closed form: eventually merged into one (lifetime).
Different dictionaries, style guides, and regions may be at different stages of adopting these changes. That’s why some people see both versions floating around.
Style Guide Differences
- The Chicago Manual of Style prefers long-term before nouns.
- APA Style also hyphenates it as an adjective.
- Associated Press (AP) follows the same rule: use a hyphen only before a noun.
- Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster list long-term as the correct adjective form.
So, if you’re writing professionally or academically, following these conventions keeps your writing polished and consistent.
What “Long Term” (With Space) Means
When “long term” appears as two separate words, it functions as a noun phrase.
It represents a span or period of time extending into the future.
Examples
- “We’re thinking about our goals in the long term.”
- “The long term requires patience and consistency.”
In both cases, the phrase isn’t describing another word; it’s acting as the thing being discussed.
You can spot this form easily when it follows words like in, over, or for:
- in the long term
- over the long term
- for the long term
Think of it this way
If you can replace the phrase with “the future” and the sentence still makes sense, then use “long term”.
What “Long-Term” (Hyphenated) Means
“Long-term” with a hyphen acts as a compound adjective. That means it describes a noun that comes immediately after it.
Examples
- “We have a long-term plan to reduce costs.”
- “He’s suffering from a long-term illness.”
- “That’s a long-term investment with huge potential.”
Here, “long-term” modifies the nouns plan, illness, and investment.
Without the hyphen, your reader might stumble or misinterpret your meaning.
For example:
- ❌ “A long term plan” could read as “a term plan that’s long.”
- ✅ “A long-term plan” clearly means “a plan designed for the long term.”
Grammar Breakdown: Noun Phrase vs Adjective
Understanding the grammatical difference between the two will make it stick in your memory.
| Function | Form | Example | Role in Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noun Phrase | long term | We’ll see results in the long term. | Acts as a noun |
| Adjective | long-term | They have a long-term goal. | Describes a noun |
Quick Test
Ask yourself:
- Does it describe something? ➡️ Use long-term.
- Does it name something (a period of time)? ➡️ Use long term.
Is “Long Term” Hyphenated? The Definitive Answer
Yes — but only when it’s an adjective before a noun.
Different style manuals agree on this point, although their explanations vary slightly.
| Style Guide | Preferred Form | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| APA | long-term | long-term plan | Always hyphenate before noun |
| Chicago | long-term | long-term project | Same as APA |
| AP Style | long-term | long-term contract | Hyphen before noun only |
| Oxford | long-term | long-term benefits | Hyphen when used attributively |
Note
In headlines or titles, writers often skip the hyphen for simplicity. However, formal writing and academic work should always follow the rule above.
Synonyms for “Long Term” and “Long-Term”
Synonyms for “Long Term” (Noun Phrase)
| Context | Possible Synonyms |
|---|---|
| General English | future, duration, longevity, eventual period |
| Finance | investment horizon, extended period |
| Business | sustainability, projection period |
| Personal Goals | future outlook, life span |
Example:
- “We’re focused on success in the future” → equivalent to in the long term.
Synonyms for “Long-Term” (Adjective)
| Context | Synonyms |
|---|---|
| Business | sustained, strategic, ongoing, enduring |
| Medicine | chronic, lasting, extended |
| Education | progressive, consistent |
| Relationships | committed, enduring |
Example:
- “We need a strategic plan” → equivalent to long-term plan.
Real-World Usage Examples
Examples Using “Long Term”
- “In the long term, education leads to better job security.”
- “We aim to build partnerships that last for the long term.”
- “The long term outlook for renewable energy remains strong.”
Examples Using “Long-Term”
- “Our company follows a long-term vision for sustainable growth.”
- “She recovered from a long-term illness.”
- “A long-term relationship needs effort and trust.”
| Domain | Example Sentence | Correct Form |
|---|---|---|
| Finance | “It’s a long-term investment.” | Hyphenated |
| Business | “Profits will grow in the long term.” | Two words |
| Health | “He’s receiving long-term care.” | Hyphenated |
| Education | “We’re planning for the long term.” | Two words |
The Evolution of the Term in Modern English
Historically, “long term” entered English in the late 19th century, mainly in financial and academic contexts.
As English evolved, compound modifiers became more common. Writers started using the hyphen to avoid ambiguity.
Today, “long-term” dominates in edited writing and dictionaries, but “long term” still thrives in natural speech.
Timeline of Usage
| Year/Period | Common Form | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | long term | “Profits will rise in the long term.” |
| 1950s | long-term | “Long-term investments grew steadily.” |
| 2000s | both | Accepted depending on grammatical role |
Digital writing tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word also reinforce the hyphen rule, gently correcting writers when context demands it.
Practical Writing Tips to Avoid Confusion
Here’s how to ensure you always choose correctly:
- Spot the position – Is it before a noun or not?
- If yes → hyphenate (a long-term contract).
- If no → no hyphen (in the long term).
- Use a replacement trick – Try swapping “long term” with “short term.”
- If “short-term” fits with a hyphen, so should “long-term.”
- Proofread once just for compounds.
- Compound errors often slip through even in professional writing.
- Remember this quote: “A hyphen is the glue that binds meaning. Without it, clarity can fall apart.”
- Consistency matters most.
- Pick a rule and stick with it throughout your document.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
| Common Error | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Form |
|---|---|---|
| A long term strategy | Needs a hyphen to link words acting as an adjective | A long-term strategy |
| In the long-term | Hyphen not needed after preposition | In the long term |
| Longterm project | Not recognized in English dictionaries | Long-term project |
| Think long-termly | “Long-termly” isn’t a real word | Think long-term |
Tip: Hyphen rules apply equally to similar expressions like short-term, full-time, part-time, and high-quality.
When “Longterm” (One Word) Appears — and Why It’s Wrong
You might see “longterm” as one word online, especially in URLs or brand names. However, it’s not standard English.
- Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster, Oxford, and Cambridge all reject “longterm.”
- Grammar checkers flag it as an error.
The only exceptions are brand names or domain names, such as LongtermInvestors.com. In everyday writing, avoid it.
A Final Look at “Long Term” vs “Long-Term”
Let’s wrap it up with a clear summary.
| Type | Correct Spelling | Example | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective | long-term | a long-term goal | Before noun = hyphen |
| Noun Phrase | long term | in the long term | Standalone or after preposition |
So, the next time you hesitate, just remember this:
If it describes something → hyphenate it. If it stands alone → leave it open.
FAQs About “Long Term” vs “Long-Term”
Is “long term” one word or two?
It’s always two words — either long term (noun) or long-term (adjective). “Longterm” is incorrect in standard English.
Is “long-term” grammatically correct?
Yes. It’s the correct form when used as an adjective before a noun, like long-term plan or long-term effect.
What’s the difference between “long term” and “short term”?
They’re opposites in time frame. Long term refers to the distant future; short term means the near future.
Which should I use in business writing?
Always use long-term when describing strategies, goals, or investments. Use long term when referring to time itself.
Is there a difference in UK and US English?
Both follow the same grammatical rule, though British writing sometimes uses “long term” more flexibly without a hyphen.
Conclusion
“Long term” and “long-term” may look similar, but their roles differ completely. One is a noun phrase, the other a compound adjective.
Once you learn this distinction, your writing becomes instantly clearer and more professional.
Think about your readers, editors, and audience — using the correct form shows mastery of detail.
So the next time you write, pause for a moment and ask: Does it describe or define?
If it does, hyphenate it. If not, leave it open.
In the long term, your grammar will thank you for it.
I am Rani, a passionate writer who loves exploring metaphors and creative expressions in English.
Through words, I aim to make language more vivid, meaningful, and inspiring.
