This very simple question can be underestimated.
Actually as short as it is, it has numerous meanings.
How long... regarding time
How long will you stay in Rome?
I'll stay for about 2 weeks.
How long are you going to stay in Rome?
I'm going to stay for 2 weeks.
How long are you staying in Rome?
I'm staying for about 2 weeks.
How long... Regarding the length of something
How long is
that sofa?
It's 2 metres long.
How long is the table?
It's 50 centimetres long.
How long does it take….. regarding the amount of
time necessary to go somewhere or do something.
How long does it take to get to Rome?
It takes 8 hours by train.
How long did it take to get to Florence?
It took 6 hours by car.
How long does it take to wash the car?
It takes 2 hours.
How long will it take to repair the T.V.?
It will take 2 days.
First, the students can try using "How long.. in
questions, using all of the above meanings. Again I'd like to
suggest a "circle" for asking questions and responding, in order
to test out these different meanings.
The students should be encouraged to take notes.
The word "long" is used in many expressions.
I won't be long, why don't you wait for me.
All year long there are tourists in New York City.
All day long I have to answer the phone in my office.
As long as…
I won't worry as long as you phone me when you arrive.
She won't worry as long as you write her a letter.
To long for…desire something
She longed for a piece of apple pie.
I long for the old days.
So long! ……another way of saying goodbye.
A Nice Thought
"How long a minute is depends on which
side of the bathroom door you're on !"