When to use "long term" and "in the long term" according to the context.
When acting as an adjective preceding a noun, use "long-term" (with a hyphen), not "in the medium term:"
My sister made a long-term investment in real estate.
My sister made an in the long-term investment in real estate.
When serving as an adverbial phrase to describe a verb, the expression "in the long term" is generally used. It is also more specific and formal:
A balanced diet and regular exercise will benefit your health in the long term.
If you're describing a noun like "goals", "strategy", or "investment," you would use "long-term." If you are specifying when something will occur or last, then you would use "in the long term."
In certain situations, the expression "long term" offers a more casual and straightforward way to describe a longer time frame. However, opting for "in the long term" is almost always the most reliable choice.
You should think long term.
You should think in the long term.
When acting as an introductory phrase, "in the long term" is recommended, especially in formal and semiformal situations.
In the long term, we aim to expand our business internationally.
Long term, we aim to expand our business internationally.
Follow the same approach with the phrases "short term"/"in the short term" and "medium term"/"in the medium term."
