Have you ever wondered about long term vs long-term and which form is correct in American English? You are not alone. Many writers find these two forms confusing because they look almost identical. The only difference is a small hyphen, but that hyphen can affect how a sentence is written. Understanding when to use each form can help you write clearly and avoid common grammar mistakes in emails, school assignments, and professional articles.
The good news is that both “long term” and “long-term” are correct in American English. The right choice depends on how you use the phrase in a sentence. When you use it as a noun phrase, you usually write “long term” without a hyphen. When you use it as an adjective before a noun, you generally write “long-term” with a hyphen.
For example, you can say, “We are planning for the long term,” or “We need a long-term plan.” Both sentences are correct because the phrase performs a different grammatical job in each one.
In this article, you will learn the difference between long term and long-term, understand the basic grammar rules, explore common mistakes, and see practical examples. By the end, you will know when to use each form with confidence. Even Though vs Eventhough | Cacoon vs Cocoon | Signer vs Signor
Quick Answer: Long Term vs Long-Term
“Long term” is usually a noun phrase that refers to a period extending far into the future. “Long-term” is a compound adjective that describes something expected to continue or remain relevant for an extended period.
- Correct: We are thinking about the long term.
- Correct: We need a long-term solution.
Remember this simple rule: use “long term” when referring to the period itself, and use “long-term” when describing a noun.
Understanding the Basics of Long Term vs Long-Term
The difference between these expressions is mainly grammatical. Both refer to an extended period, but they serve different purposes in a sentence.
What Does Long Term Mean?
“Long term” is commonly used as a noun phrase. It refers to a period that extends well into the future.
For example:
- We must consider the long term.
- The investment may benefit us in the long term.
- She is planning for the long term.
In each sentence, “long term” refers to a period of time. It does not directly describe a noun that follows it.
The phrase often appears after prepositions such as “in” and “for.”
Examples:
- In the long term, exercise may improve your health.
- We need to save money for the long term.
In these sentences, the phrase identifies the period being discussed.
What Does Long-Term Mean?
“Long-term” is a compound adjective. It describes a noun by showing that something lasts, continues, or has an effect over an extended period.
For example:
- We need a long-term strategy.
- He has a long-term goal.
- The company offers long-term support.
In each sentence, “long-term” describes a noun: “strategy,” “goal,” and “support.”
The hyphen connects “long” and “term” to show that they work together as one descriptive unit.
Long Term vs Long-Term Comparison Table
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long term | Noun phrase | An extended period | We are planning for the long term. | Correct |
| Long-term | Compound adjective | Lasting over an extended period | We need a long-term plan. | Correct |
| Long term plan | Adjective phrase written without the usual hyphen | A plan for an extended period | We need a long term plan. | Usually incorrect in edited American English |
| Long-term goal | Compound adjective | A goal intended for the future | She has a long-term goal. | Correct |
| In the long-term | Noun phrase incorrectly hyphenated in this common construction | Over an extended period | In the long-term, costs may rise. | Usually incorrect in standard usage |
| Long term thinking | Compound modifier without a hyphen | Thinking focused on the future | Long term thinking matters. | Usually incorrect in edited prose |
The table shows that the hyphen depends on grammatical function, not simply on the meaning of the phrase.
Correct Meanings and Uses of Long Term and Long-Term
1. When to Use Long Term as a Noun Phrase
Use “long term” when you refer to an extended period of time as a concept or time frame.
This form commonly appears in discussions about business, education, health, relationships, finances, and personal goals.
Example 1: We should think about the long term.
Sentence breakdown:
- “We” is the subject.
- “Should think” expresses an action.
- “About” is a preposition.
- “The long term” is the noun phrase that identifies the time frame.
The phrase refers to the future rather than describing a particular noun.
Example 2: In the long term, this decision could save money.
Sentence breakdown:
- “In” is a preposition.
- “The long term” is the noun phrase.
- “This decision could save money” explains what may happen over time.
The expression “in the long term” means over an extended period, especially when considering future results.
Example 3: Their relationship improved in the long term.
The phrase identifies the period over which the improvement occurred.
Other useful examples include:
- We are investing in the long term.
- The benefits may become clear in the long term.
- Short-term problems should not distract us from the long term.
- She is focused on the long term rather than immediate rewards.
2. When to Use Long-Term as an Adjective
Use “long-term” when you want to describe a noun. The hyphen helps readers understand that the two words work together.
Example 1: The business needs a long-term strategy.
Sentence breakdown:
- “The business” is the subject.
- “Needs” is the verb.
- “Strategy” is the noun.
- “Long-term” describes the type of strategy.
The phrase explains that the strategy is designed for an extended period.
Example 2: He wants to build long-term relationships with customers.
Here, “long-term” describes “relationships.” It suggests that the relationships should continue over time.
Example 3: She created a long-term financial plan.
“Long-term” describes the financial plan and shows that it focuses on the future.
More examples include:
- They made a long-term commitment.
- The doctor discussed long-term health effects.
- Our school needs a long-term improvement plan.
- The company is looking for long-term growth.
- He developed a long-term career goal.
In each case, the hyphen connects the words into one compound modifier.
3. When to Use Long Term After a Preposition
The expression “in the long term” is one of the most common uses of the unhyphenated form.
Examples:
- In the long term, learning new skills can improve your career.
- This choice may prove useful in the long term.
- The changes could reduce expenses in the long term.
You can also use “for the long term” when referring to a period of commitment or planning.
Examples:
- They purchased the property for the long term.
- We need to prepare for the long term.
- The organization is investing for the long term.
These expressions generally do not require a hyphen because “long term” functions as a noun phrase.
4. Long-Term in Business and Finance
Business and finance often use “long-term” to describe plans, investments, goals, and strategies.
Examples:
- The company introduced a long-term business plan.
- She prefers long-term investments.
- The team is working toward long-term success.
- We need a long-term approach to financial planning.
In these sentences, “long-term” describes a noun.
However, when you refer to the period itself, remove the hyphen.
Examples:
- The company is thinking about the long term.
- Investors should consider the long term.
- In the long term, steady growth may be more useful than quick gains.
The meaning remains similar, but the grammatical role changes.
5. Long-Term in Health and Education
The phrase is also common in health and education writing.
Examples:
- Exercise can have long-term benefits.
- The treatment may have long-term effects.
- Students need a long-term learning plan.
- The school developed a long-term education strategy.
In each example, “long-term” describes a noun.
Compare these sentences:
- Regular exercise may help in the long term.
- Regular exercise may provide long-term benefits.
The first sentence refers to a period. The second describes benefits.
Test Tip: How to Choose the Correct Form
Here is a simple test you can use whenever you are unsure.
Step 1: Find the noun in your sentence.
Step 2: Ask whether “long term” directly describes that noun.
Step 3: If it does, use “long-term” in most standard American English writing.
Step 4: If you are referring to the period itself, use “long term” without the hyphen.
For example:
- A long-term investment: “Long-term” describes “investment.”
- In the long term: The phrase refers to a period.
This test works for most everyday and professional sentences.
Case Study: Using Long Term and Long-Term at Work
Imagine that a marketing manager named Alex is preparing a report for a company meeting. The report explains the company’s future goals and its plans for growth.
Alex writes the following sentence:
“We need a long term strategy that will help the business grow in the long-term.”
Although the meaning is clear, the sentence contains two punctuation problems in standard edited American English.
The first phrase, “long term strategy,” should usually be hyphenated because it describes the noun “strategy.”
The second phrase, “in the long-term,” should usually appear without the hyphen because it refers to a period of time.
The corrected sentence is:
“We need a long-term strategy that will help the business grow in the long term.”
Now the sentence follows the usual rule.
A Practical Email Example
Suppose Alex needs to email the team about a new project.
Subject: Long-Term Project Planning
Hello Team,
We need to develop a long-term plan for the upcoming project. Our main goal is to build a reliable system that supports the company’s growth.
Although the initial costs may be high, this decision could save money in the long term. Please review the proposal and share your suggestions before Friday.
Thank you.
Alex
This email uses both forms correctly:
- “Long-term plan” uses a hyphen because the phrase describes “plan.”
- “In the long term” has no hyphen because it refers to a period.
The example demonstrates that the correct form depends on how the expression functions in the sentence.
Grammar Rules: Why Is One Form Hyphenated?
Both forms are grammatically correct. The important difference is whether the expression functions as a noun phrase or a compound adjective.
Rule 1: Use a Hyphen for a Compound Modifier Before a Noun
When “long-term” appears before a noun and works as a single descriptive unit, a hyphen is generally appropriate.
Examples:
- A long-term agreement
- A long-term goal
- A long-term solution
- A long-term effect
The hyphen shows that “long” and “term” work together to describe the noun.
Without it, the relationship between the words may be less clear.
For example:
Incorrect in standard edited prose: We need a long term solution.
Correct: We need a long-term solution.
Rule 2: Do Not Normally Hyphenate the Noun Phrase
When “long term” refers to a period of time, the words are usually written separately.
Examples:
- In the long term, the plan may work.
- We are planning for the long term.
- The benefits may appear over the long term.
These expressions refer to a time frame rather than functioning as a compound adjective before a noun.
Rule 3: Hyphenation Can Depend on Sentence Structure
Compare the following sentences:
Sentence A: We need a long-term solution.
Here, “long-term” describes “solution.”
Sentence B: The solution may work in the long term.
Here, “the long term” is a noun phrase that refers to a future period.
This distinction is the key to understanding the difference.
Rule 4: Follow the Style Guide for Formal Writing
Major dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster, record established word forms and usage information. General American English editing practice also uses hyphens to clarify many compound modifiers before nouns.
However, hyphenation is not identical in every phrase or style guide. Some compounds become established as open or closed forms over time, and some publishers follow specific house styles.
For professional writing, use a consistent style guide and check the exact expression if a sentence is unusual. The general distinction between “long term” as a noun phrase and “long-term” as a compound adjective remains a reliable starting point.
Common Mistakes With Long Term vs Long-Term
Many writers make mistakes with this expression because the words have the same meaning in both forms. The difference is easy to overlook, especially when typing quickly.
Mistake 1: Leaving Out the Hyphen Before a Noun
Incorrect: We need a long term plan.
Correct: We need a long-term plan.
Why does this happen?
Writers may forget that “long” and “term” work together to describe “plan.” In formal and professional writing, the hyphen makes this relationship clearer.
Mistake 2: Adding a Hyphen to In the Long Term
Usually incorrect: In the long-term, the business may grow.
Correct: In the long term, the business may grow.
Why does this happen?
Writers may assume that the phrase always requires a hyphen because “long-term plan” does. However, the two expressions perform different grammatical functions.
Mistake 3: Using Different Forms in the Same Context
Incorrect: Our long term plan will support growth in the long-term.
Correct: Our long-term plan will support growth in the long term.
Why does this happen?
Writers may remember the meaning but forget the grammatical role of each phrase. Checking the noun and the surrounding words can help prevent this error.
Mistake 4: Trusting Autocorrect Without Reviewing the Sentence
Spell-checking tools may not flag every hyphenation problem. A phrase can be understandable and contain correctly spelled words while still being poorly punctuated.
For example:
- Long term success
- Long-term success
The first form may be flagged by some writing tools, while other tools may allow it. For polished prose, “long-term success” is generally the preferred form.
Why These Mistakes Happen
Common reasons include:
- Fast typing: Writers often skip small punctuation marks.
- Autocorrect: Software may not understand the grammatical role of the phrase.
- Lack of knowledge: Some writers do not know that noun phrases and compound adjectives are treated differently.
- Inconsistent editing: Writers may use different forms throughout the same document.
- Confusion about hyphens: The hyphen looks optional because the meaning remains understandable without it.
The best solution is to review the sentence structure rather than relying only on a spell-checker.
Similar Grammar Confusions
| Confusing Forms | Correct Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Long term / long-term | Noun phrase / compound adjective | Think about the long term. / A long-term plan |
| Short term / short-term | Noun phrase / compound adjective | In the short term, costs may rise. / A short-term goal |
| Well being / well-being | Usually hyphenated as a noun | Exercise supports well-being. |
| Full time / full-time | Open phrase / compound modifier | She works full time. / A full-time job |
| Part time / part-time | Open phrase / compound modifier | He studies part time. / A part-time position |
| It’s / its | Contraction / possessive determiner | It’s raining. / The dog wagged its tail. |
| Your / you’re | Possessive determiner / contraction | Your book is here. / You’re welcome. |
| Everyday / every day | Adjective / time expression | Everyday clothes / I exercise every day. |
These examples show why grammar depends on meaning, sentence structure, and established writing conventions.
Usage in Different Contexts
The distinction between “long term” and “long-term” applies to many forms of writing. Knowing how to use each form will help you communicate clearly.
1. Everyday Conversation
In casual conversation, people often use these expressions without thinking about hyphenation because spoken English does not reveal punctuation.
Examples:
- I want to think about the long term.
- We need a long-term plan.
- This could help us in the long term.
- She has long-term goals.
When writing these sentences, apply the usual distinction between the noun phrase and the adjective.
2. Professional Writing
Professional documents require clear and consistent punctuation. You may encounter these expressions in business reports, proposals, emails, and presentations.
Examples:
- The company developed a long-term growth strategy.
- We are considering the long term before making a decision.
- The new policy may offer long-term benefits.
- The investment could become profitable in the long term.
In workplace writing, correct hyphenation makes the relationship between words easier to understand.
3. Creative Writing
Creative writing often discusses plans, hopes, memories, and future possibilities. Both forms can fit naturally into stories and personal essays.
Examples:
- She had a long-term dream of opening her own bookstore.
- He knew that patience would matter in the long term.
- Their long-term friendship survived many challenges.
- In the long term, she hoped to find peace.
The choice depends on whether the phrase describes a noun or refers to a period of time.
4. Social Media and Texting
People often ignore punctuation rules in quick messages, but using standard forms is still helpful when you want your writing to look polished.
Examples:
- Working toward my long-term goals!
- Thinking about the long term before making a big decision.
- Small steps can bring long-term results.
- I hope this choice helps me in the long term.
You do not need to overthink every casual message. However, if you are publishing a professional post or writing for an audience, following standard punctuation rules is a good habit.
5. Academic Writing
Academic writing often discusses research, development, health, education, and social change. These subjects regularly involve extended periods.
Examples:
- The study examined long-term health outcomes.
- Researchers considered the effects in the long term.
- The school introduced a long-term improvement program.
- In the long term, these changes may affect student performance.
Academic writers should use the correct form and follow their institution’s style requirements.
Why the Difference Matters
The difference between “long term” and “long-term” may appear small, but correct punctuation helps make writing clear and professional.
Clarity in Communication
A hyphen can show readers that two words work together to describe a noun.
For example:
- A long-term project
- A project that will continue in the long term
Both phrases communicate a similar idea, but they use different grammatical structures.
When your punctuation is correct, readers can understand your meaning more easily.
Professionalism
Correct grammar and punctuation help create a polished impression. This matters when writing:
- Business emails
- Job applications
- Reports and proposals
- Website content
- Academic assignments
- Marketing materials
A small punctuation mistake may not change your meaning, but repeated errors can make a document appear less carefully edited.
Accuracy in Digital Communication
Digital writing moves quickly. People often publish emails, blog posts, social media updates, and website content without reviewing every sentence.
Learning a simple rule can help you avoid common errors and maintain consistency across platforms.
For example, a writer who understands compound modifiers can more easily distinguish “long-term success” from “success in the long term.”
A Short Quote to Remember
“Clear writing begins with clear choices.”
This original reminder captures the main lesson: selecting the right form helps your readers follow your message without unnecessary confusion.
Special Exceptions and Less Common Cases
The basic rule works in most situations, but a few details are worth understanding.
1. When Long-Term Appears After a Noun
Compound adjectives are not always placed before the nouns they describe. Sometimes they appear after linking verbs.
For example:
- The effects were long-term.
- Their commitment is long-term.
- The consequences may be long-term.
The hyphen is often retained in these examples because “long-term” still functions as a compound adjective.
However, usage can vary by phrase and style guide. Some compounds are written differently depending on their position and whether they are established as open or hyphenated forms.
2. Long-Term as Part of a Longer Compound
You may see expressions such as:
- Long-term care facility
- Long-term investment strategy
- Long-term customer relationship
- Long-term financial planning
The hyphen connects “long” and “term” into a single modifier. The complete phrase may contain other words that also describe the noun.
For example, in “long-term investment strategy,” the words “long-term” describe the type or time horizon of the investment strategy.
3. Long Term as a General Concept
Sometimes, writers discuss the long term without naming a specific goal, plan, or outcome.
Examples:
- The long term is difficult to predict.
- We should not ignore the long term.
- Thinking about the long term can change how we make decisions.
In these sentences, “the long term” functions as a noun phrase. No hyphen is needed.
4. Titles, Headlines, and Brand Names
A company, product, or publication may use its own capitalization or hyphenation in a brand name or official title. In those cases, preserve the established name when referring to it.
Headlines may also follow a publication’s house style. If you are writing for a particular website, check whether it has rules about compound adjectives and title capitalization.
For ordinary American English prose, however, the standard distinction remains:
- “Long-term” before a noun when used as a compound modifier.
- “Long term” when referring to the period itself.
Quick Recap Checklist
Use the following table to review the rule before publishing your writing.
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Are you describing a noun, such as a plan or goal? | Long-term |
| Are you referring to an extended period itself? | Long term |
| Are you writing “in the ___”? | Usually long term |
| Are you describing an investment, strategy, effect, or commitment? | Usually long-term |
| Are you unsure which form fits? | Check the grammatical role and sentence structure |
Practice Examples
Choose the correct form for each sentence.
1. We need a ______ solution to this problem.
Answer: long-term
Correct sentence: We need a long-term solution to this problem.
Why? The phrase describes the noun “solution.”
2. In the ______, regular practice can improve your writing.
Answer: long term
Correct sentence: In the long term, regular practice can improve your writing.
Why? The phrase refers to an extended period.
3. She is working toward her ______ career goals.
Answer: long-term
Correct sentence: She is working toward her long-term career goals.
Why? The phrase describes “career goals.”
A Simple Memory Trick
Remember these two examples:
- Long-term plan: The phrase describes a plan.
- In the long term: The phrase refers to a period.
If you can remember these examples, you can handle most situations involving this expression.
FAQs
1. Is long term or long-term correct?
Both forms are correct in American English. “Long term” is generally used as a noun phrase referring to an extended period, while “long-term” is generally used as a compound adjective describing a noun.
Examples: “We are planning for the long term” and “We need a long-term plan.”
2. Should I hyphenate long term before a noun?
Yes, in standard edited American English, you should generally hyphenate “long-term” when it works as a compound adjective before a noun.
Example: She developed a long-term strategy.
The hyphen shows that “long” and “term” work together to describe “strategy.”
3. Is it correct to write in the long-term?
Usually, no. In standard American English, the conventional expression is “in the long term,” without a hyphen.
Correct: In the long term, this decision may help us.
Incorrect in standard usage: In the long-term, this decision may help us.
4. Is long-term one word or two words?
“Long-term” consists of two words joined by a hyphen. “Long term” consists of two separate words without a hyphen. Neither form is normally written as one closed word.
5. Can I use long-term at the end of a sentence?
Yes. You can use “long-term” after a linking verb or in another position where it functions as an adjective.
Example: The benefits may be long-term.
The hyphen is generally retained because the expression still acts as a compound adjective.
6. What is the difference between short term and long term?
“Short term” refers to a relatively brief period, while “long term” refers to an extended period. When these expressions describe a noun, they are generally hyphenated.
Examples:
- In the short term, costs may increase.
- We need a short-term solution.
- In the long term, the plan may succeed.
- We need a long-term strategy.
The grammatical distinction is the same for both expressions.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between long term and long-term is easier than it first appears. Both forms are correct in American English, but they serve different grammatical purposes. Use “long term” when you refer to an extended period, as in “in the long term” or “planning for the long term.” Use “long-term” when you describe a noun, as in “a long-term goal,” “a long-term investment,” or “a long-term solution.”
The most important step is to look at how the phrase works in your sentence. If it describes a noun, the hyphen is generally appropriate. If it refers to a period of time, leave the words separate.
This simple rule can improve your emails, school assignments, professional reports, and online content. It also helps you maintain consistent punctuation throughout your writing.
Remember: a long-term plan can help you succeed in the long term. Keep this example in mind, and you will have a reliable way to choose the correct form whenever you write about the future.
Hi, I’m Alexander Hayes, a grammar and writing specialist at Gramcora. I enjoy creating informative resources that help students, professionals, and English learners write with confidence and accuracy.
