In 15 Seconds
- Refers to working or studying much longer than the standard time.
- Commonly used with verbs like 'work', 'do', or 'put in'.
- Often implies exhaustion, dedication, or a demanding professional schedule.
Meaning
This phrase describes working or studying for a much longer time than what is considered normal or standard. It usually implies that someone is staying late at the office or pushing themselves past a typical eight-hour day.
Key Examples
3 of 6Complaining to a friend
I've been working long hours all week, so I'm staying in tonight.
I've been working long hours all week, so I'm staying in tonight.
A job interview
I am prepared to put in long hours to ensure the project's success.
I am prepared to put in long hours to ensure the project's success.
Describing a difficult profession
Junior doctors often have to work incredibly long hours.
Junior doctors often have to work incredibly long hours.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'long hours' are often romanticized as part of the 'American Dream.' Working 60-80 hours a week in industries like tech or finance is seen as a path to success. Japan has a culture of 'service overtime' where employees stay late because their boss hasn't left yet. This has led to government efforts to reduce 'long hours' for health reasons. France famously has a 35-hour work week. While many professionals still work 'long hours,' there is a much stronger emphasis on protecting personal time and 'le weekend.' In countries like Sweden and Denmark, working long hours is often seen as a sign of poor time management. Leaving the office at 4 PM to pick up children is the norm.
Use 'Put in'
If you want to sound like a dedicated employee in an interview, say 'I'm happy to put in long hours.' It sounds more active than just 'working' them.
Plural Only
Never say 'a long hour' to mean overwork. It will confuse native speakers.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to working or studying much longer than the standard time.
- Commonly used with verbs like 'work', 'do', or 'put in'.
- Often implies exhaustion, dedication, or a demanding professional schedule.
What It Means
Long hours refers to the extra time you spend on a task. It is almost always used in the context of work or university. If you say you are 'working long hours,' you mean you start early and finish late. It is not just about being busy. It is about the clock. You are giving up your free time for your job. It often carries a feeling of being tired or dedicated.
How To Use It
You usually pair this phrase with verbs like work, put in, or do. For example, you can say, 'I’ve been working long hours lately.' You can also use it as a noun phrase to describe a job. 'Medicine is a career with long hours.' It fits perfectly when you want to explain why you are exhausted. Use it when you missed that dinner party because of your boss. It sounds natural and very common in daily English.
When To Use It
Use it during job interviews to show you are hardworking. Use it when venting to your spouse about your stressful week. It works well in professional emails to explain a delay. 'Sorry for the late reply, I've been putting in long hours on the project.' It is also great for describing demanding lifestyles like being a new parent or a startup founder. If you are at a bar with friends, it’s the perfect excuse for why you’re yawning at 9 PM.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for short bursts of effort. If you worked hard for only two hours, that is not long hours. Avoid using it for fun activities. You wouldn't say you 'played video games for long hours'—that sounds a bit robotic. Instead, use 'for ages' or 'all day' for hobbies. Also, do not confuse it with 'a long time.' Long hours is specifically about a schedule or a routine of hard work.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, especially the US and UK, working long hours is often seen as a 'badge of honor.' People sometimes brag about it to show how important they are. However, there is a growing movement toward 'work-life balance.' Now, people often mention long hours as a complaint rather than a boast. In some corporate cultures, it is simply expected, even if it’s not officially in the contract. It’s the unofficial language of the 'hustle' culture.
Common Variations
You might hear people say they are 'pulling long hours' or 'putting in the hours.' A very common related idiom is 'burning the midnight oil.' If someone works a lot of long hours consistently, they might be called a 'workaholic.' Another variation is 'unsociable hours,' which means working at night or on weekends when everyone else is relaxing. If you are doing this, you definitely deserve a big cup of coffee!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. Just remember that it specifically emphasizes the *duration* of the work rather than the *intensity*.
Use 'Put in'
If you want to sound like a dedicated employee in an interview, say 'I'm happy to put in long hours.' It sounds more active than just 'working' them.
Plural Only
Never say 'a long hour' to mean overwork. It will confuse native speakers.
Know your audience
In some cultures, bragging about long hours makes you sound important; in others, it makes you sound like you can't manage your time.
Examples
6I've been working long hours all week, so I'm staying in tonight.
I've been working long hours all week, so I'm staying in tonight.
Used here to justify needing rest.
I am prepared to put in long hours to ensure the project's success.
I am prepared to put in long hours to ensure the project's success.
Shows commitment and a strong work ethic.
Junior doctors often have to work incredibly long hours.
Junior doctors often have to work incredibly long hours.
General observation about a specific career path.
Still at the office... another day of long hours! Save me some dinner?
Still at the office... another day of long hours! Save me some dinner?
Informal way to explain being late for a meal.
My cat puts in long hours napping on the sofa.
My cat puts in long hours napping on the sofa.
Sarcastic use of a work-related phrase for something lazy.
The long hours are finally starting to take a toll on my health.
The long hours are finally starting to take a toll on my health.
Serious tone regarding the negative effects of overworking.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct verb.
He had to ______ long hours to save enough money for his vacation.
'Work long hours' is the most common and natural collocation.
Which sentence is the most natural?
Select the best option:
'Long hours' must be plural to describe a period of overwork.
Fill in the missing phrase in the dialogue.
A: Why is Sarah so stressed? B: She's been ______ at her new law firm.
'Putting in long hours' is a common way to describe effort and time spent working.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
When would you most likely say 'I'm used to working long hours'?
This phrase is a standard way to show commitment to a potential employer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Verbs with 'Long Hours'
Action
- • Work long hours
- • Put in long hours
Habit
- • Keep long hours
- • Maintain long hours
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHe had to ______ long hours to save enough money for his vacation.
'Work long hours' is the most common and natural collocation.
Select the best option:
'Long hours' must be plural to describe a period of overwork.
A: Why is Sarah so stressed? B: She's been ______ at her new law firm.
'Putting in long hours' is a common way to describe effort and time spent working.
When would you most likely say 'I'm used to working long hours'?
This phrase is a standard way to show commitment to a potential employer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in a business report or a text message to a friend.
No, 'big hours' is not a standard collocation. Always use 'long hours.'
'Overtime' is often about the specific extra hours you get paid for. 'Long hours' is a more general description of a busy schedule.
Usually no. It's almost always for work, study, or serious projects. You wouldn't say 'I work long hours on my video games' unless you are a professional gamer.
Not necessarily. It could mean starting very early and finishing late, or working through the weekend.
Related Phrases
burn the midnight oil
idiomTo work late into the night.
overtime
synonymTime worked beyond one's scheduled hours.
all-nighter
specialized formA period of work or study that lasts the whole night.
work-life balance
contrastThe equilibrium between personal life and career work.
