How long or How much time? What’s the difference?

How long and How much time have the same meaning and we ask these questions when we want to find out the duration of something. 

Let’s look at some examples:

How long does it take to fly to New York?

How much time does it take to fly to New York?

Never use How long time 

So…. What’s the difference?

There is no difference in meaning but it is more common to use “How Long”

In some situations, it is more common to use ”How Long?”

With the present perfect

How long have you lived here?

How long have you been studying English?

How long have you been here?

“How much time” in these examples sounds unnatural. It also sounds a little strange if you use “How much time” in the past simple.

How long did you live there?

How much time did you live there? (Sounds strange) 

How much time sounds more natural in these examples

How much time do you have left?

How much time do you need?

“How long” is also possible and natural in these examples.

If in Doubt…..

If you are not sure which one to use, then use “How long”. 

Remember How long” is also used for distance.

How long is your desk?