One alternative to the phrase "are long" would be "are lengthy." Other options could include "are extended," "are prolonged," or "are protracted." These synonyms convey a similar meaning to "are long," but may offer slightly different connotations. For example, "lengthy" may emphasize the duration of an event or situation, while "protracted" may connote an undesirable level of delay or difficulty. Similarly, "extended" could indicate a generous or expansive amount of time, while "prolonged" could imply an unwanted delay or interference. Overall, there are many ways to express the idea of something being long or enduring, and selecting the appropriate synonym can help to convey nuances of meaning.