20 feet long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "20 feet long" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the length of an object or space, typically in contexts involving measurements or dimensions. Example: "The boat is 20 feet long, making it suitable for both fishing and leisure activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some species can even reach up to 20 feet long.

Cornell University

Her cell was 13 feet wide and 20 feet long and had no window.

Harvard University

Dilophosaurus wetherilli was a fairly large ceratosaur; about six meters (20 feet) long, and quite slender.

University of California, Berkeley

A vertical rod or suspended wire about six metres (20 feet) long is a workable solution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We all agreed that whale was about 20 feet long and robust in girth.

The New York Times

That included paintings by Mr. Nickson himself, which can range up to 20 feet long.

The New York Times - Arts

Each relief is about 20 feet long and robustly carved in Scotch pine.

The New York Times - Arts

The black-and-maroon giant is nearly 7 feet tall and 20 feet long.

The New York Times

She and her employees navigate a tight space about 20 feet long and 3 feet wide.

The New York Times

We believe it was a fuel truck" that left the crater, which was 20 feet long and 12 feet deep.

The Washington Post

It is held together by connective tissue but if unraveled would be nearly 6 metres (20 feet) long.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the dimensions of an object, ensure you specify the unit of measurement clearly. Using "20 feet long" is straightforward, but consider adding context, such as "The rope is 20 feet long," for clarity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the unit of measurement. For instance, instead of saying "It's 20 long," specify "It's "20 feet long"" to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "20 feet long" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun by specifying its length. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used to describe dimensions. Examples show its usage in varied contexts, from describing the size of animals to physical objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "20 feet long" is a grammatically sound and very common way to describe length. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news articles and academic papers to encyclopedia entries and general descriptions. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "20 feet in length" exist. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the unit of measurement and avoiding ambiguity. The phrase's prevalence in reputable sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

20 feet in length

Rephrases the measurement using 'in length' for a slightly more formal tone.

Length of 20 feet

Emphasizes the length as a property, changing the word order.

Measuring 20 feet long

Highlights the act of measurement.

With a length of 20 feet

Introduces the length as an attribute of an object.

Extending 20 feet in length

Describes the action of extending to a specific length.

240 inches long

Converts the length to inches for a different unit of measurement.

Approximately 20 feet

Adds an element of approximation to the measurement.

Around 20 feet long

Uses 'around' for an informal approximation.

Spanning 20 feet

Focuses on the distance covered by the length.

Reaching 20 feet long

Implies growth or extension to a length of 20 feet.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "20 feet long" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "20 feet in length" or "a "length of 20 feet" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "20 feet in length" instead of "20 feet long"?

Yes, "20 feet in length" is generally considered more formal than "20 feet long", but both are grammatically correct.

Can I use "20' long" instead of "20 feet long"?

Using "20' long" is acceptable in informal writing or technical contexts where abbreviations are common. However, in formal writing, it's best to spell out "20 feet long".

Which is correct, "20 feet long" or "20 foot long"?

"20 feet long" is correct because "foot" should be pluralized to "feet" when referring to a measurement greater than one. "20 foot long" is grammatically incorrect.