Master confusing words with ease
A long way vs. A long ways
A long way
/ə lɔŋ weɪ/Examples:
The new policy will go a long way toward resolving issues.The funds raised will go a long way in supporting local charities.Her gratitude went a long way in easing tensions.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
A long ways
/ə lɔːŋ weɪz/Examples:
Her cabin is still a long ways down the trail.He's come a long ways since we first met.A long ways from home, she felt lost but excited.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- A long way is grammatically correct in standard English, while a long ways is considered informal, mainly used in American and Canadian English.
- Remember that way in a long way refers to a singular path or distance, while ways might imply multiple paths, although it generally doesn't adhere to standard grammar rules.
- If you are writing formally or academically, prefer using a long way, while in informal contexts, a long ways can be more acceptable.
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