Long Term or Long-Term: What’s the Right Choice in Writing?

Ever wondered if it’s “long term” or “long-term”? You’re not alone! This common grammar question pops up in emails, reports, and even resumes. The truth is, both forms are correct—but their usage depends on context. When used as an adjective before a noun (like long-term plan), you need a hyphen. But when you’re talking generally (like in the long term), no hyphen is needed.

Understanding this small detail can make a big impact on your writing clarity. Whether you’re discussing long-term goals, long-term effects, or short-term vs long-term strategies, knowing when to hyphenate improves your grammar accuracy and professional tone. This guide will break it all down using real examples, simple rules, and easy tips—so you’ll never second-guess yourself again.

Why Is There So Much Confusion Between Long Term and Long-Term?

The confusion is mostly due to one thing: hyphenation rules in English are not always consistent, and even experienced writers second-guess themselves.

Add to that:

• Auto-correct software that changes your writing without warning
  
• Different rules from different grammar authorities (AP vs Chicago Manual of Style)
  
• The fact that both forms are grammatically correct — just in different ways
  

This isn’t a British vs American English issue. In fact, both “long term” and “long-term” are widely used in US English, depending on how they function in a sentence.

What’s the Real Difference Between Long Term and Long-Term?

Let’s make this simple:

• “Long term” (without a hyphen) is a noun phrase. It refers to a period of time.
  
• “Long-term” (with a hyphen) is an adjective. It describes something that happens or lasts over a long period.
  

Here’s a quick comparison to help:

Form	Part of Speech	Function	Example
Long term	Noun phrase	Refers to a time period	“We’re planning for the long term.”
Long-term	Adjective	Describes something enduring	“This is a long-term solution to the issue.”

Quick Tip:
If it’s acting like a noun (a “thing” or a “time”), don’t hyphenate.
If it’s describing another noun (like a plan, goal, or effect), add the hyphen.

Let’s Look at Real Examples

Examples Using “Long Term” as a Noun Phrase (No Hyphen)

• “We’re focused on the long term, not short-term gains.”
  
• “In the long term, these changes will benefit everyone.”
  
• “Her health improved significantly in the long term.”
  

Examples Using “Long-Term” as an Adjective (With Hyphen)

• “The long-term consequences of the policy are still unclear.”
  
• “They entered into a long-term partnership.”
  
• “A long-term solution requires strategic thinking.”
  

Industry Usage: Where It Shows Up Most

Different industries use “long term” and “long-term” regularly, and often in both forms.

In Finance:

• “Long-term investments” (adjective)
  
• “Hold your assets for the long term” (noun)
  

In Healthcare:

• “Long-term care facility” (adjective)
  
• “Support is needed for the long term” (noun)
  

In Technology:

• “Long-term software maintenance” (adjective)
  
• “This will affect performance over the long term” (noun)
  

What Do Style Guides Say?

Grammar isn’t just about logic—it’s also about style. Different style guides treat hyphenation a bit differently, but most agree on one thing: hyphenate compound adjectives that appear before a noun.

Here’s a table showing what some popular style guides say:

Style Guide	Hyphenation Rule	Example
AP Stylebook	Use hyphen for compound adjectives before the noun	“Long-term investment”
Chicago Manual of Style	Same: hyphenate before noun, open form after noun	“Long-term planning”; “in the long term”
APA Style	Use hyphen only when modifying a noun directly	“Long-term therapy”

How to Know Which One to Use: Quick Test

Ask yourself: What is the role of the phrase?

• Is it describing something (like a “plan,” “impact,” or “goal”)?
  → Use long-term with a hyphen.
  
• Is it standing alone as a time-related noun?
  → Use long term without a hyphen.

Here’s a simple flowchart to help:

Are you modifying a noun

   Yes → Use “long-term”

   No → Use “long term”

Synonyms for Long Term and Long-Term

Want to vary your writing? Here are some effective synonyms and alternative phrases:

For “Long Term” (Noun):

• Over time
  
• In the future
  
• Down the line
  
• Eventually
  
• As time passes

Example:
“We’re playing the long game.” → “We’re looking toward the future.”

For “Long-Term” (Adjective):

• Enduring
  
• Lasting
  
• Prolonged
  
• Sustained
  
• Ongoing

Example:
“A long-term investment” → “A sustained investment”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Using “long term” as an adjective without the hyphen

❌ “This is a long term strategy.”
✅ “This is a long-term strategy.”

Mistake 2: Using “long-term” when it’s not describing a noun

❌ “We’re preparing for the long-term.”
✅ “We’re preparing for the long term.”

Mistake 3: Confusing auto-correct suggestions

Many word processors (like MS Word or Google Docs) might not flag the misuse unless grammar settings are adjusted. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can help catch these slip-ups.

Origin of the Phrase “Long Term”

The phrase “long term” dates back to at least the 1800s, appearing in economic discussions. It gained popularity during the 20th century, especially in corporate America and strategic business planning.

Interesting fact:
“Long-term planning” became a buzzword in U.S. corporations during the 1950s and 60s as a way to push back against short-term thinking.

Summary Table: When to Use “Long Term” vs. “Long-Term”

Here’s everything in one quick reference table:

Usage	Correct Form	Example
As a noun (time span)	Long term	“We plan for the long term.”
As an adjective (modifying noun)	Long-term	“This is a long-term investment.”
After the noun (not modifier)	Long term	“Our goals are long term.”
Before the noun (modifier)	Long-term	“Our long-term goals are clear.”

Practical Tips for Writers and Editors

• Proofread carefully for compound adjectives before nouns.
  
• Use “Find” in your document to locate all instances of “long term” and double-check usage.
  
• Read sentences out loud to spot awkward constructions.
  
• Use grammar tools, but don’t rely on them blindly.
  
• Keep a cheat sheet or style card for quick reference.
  

FAQs About “Long Term” vs. “Long-Term”

1. Is long term one word or hyphen?

Use a hyphen (“long-term”) when it’s used as an adjective before a noun. Without the hyphen, “long term” is a noun phrase, not a modifier.

2. Do you hyphenate short and long term?

Yes, when used as adjectives, both should be hyphenated: short-term and long-term. Example: short-term goals and long-term effects.

3. How to write long term correctly?

Use “long-term” with a hyphen when it’s modifying a noun. Write “long term” (no hyphen) when used as a noun on its own.

4. Is long-term relationship hyphenated?

Yes, “long-term” is hyphenated because it describes the noun “relationship.” It’s a compound adjective used before the noun.

5. How do you spell long term in the UK?

In both UK and US English, it’s spelled the same: long-term (hyphenated when used adjectivally). Spelling rules don’t change for this term across dialects.

6. How to use long term?

Use “long-term” as an adjective: long-term investment. Use “long term” as a noun: in the long term, this will benefit us.

Conclusion: Make the Right Choice for Clear Writing

Getting the difference between “long term” and “long-term” right isn’t just about grammar—it’s about writing with clarity and confidence. Use “long-term” with a hyphen when it’s an adjective (like long-term solution), and go with “long term” (no hyphen) when it’s a noun phrase (like in the long term).

This small but important rule can improve your professional writing, whether you’re discussing long-term goals, investment plans, or short-term vs long-term results. Mastering this will boost both your communication skills and your attention to detail—two things that always pay off in the long term!