a considerable length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a considerable length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant amount of distance or duration in various contexts, such as physical measurements or time periods. Example: "The river flows for a considerable length before it reaches the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A considerable length of town wall, including a watch tower, remains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Manager Joe Girardi said he had been concerned the team might miss Teixeira for a considerable length of time, too.

The New York Times

What they know about how to use space, make space and courtesy for others has been developed over a considerable length of time.

The Guardian

This is the first time we have come across people who have been held for such a considerable length of time.

The Guardian

By contrast, it said, its advertising in the Sun "has for a considerable length of time been an effective part of our communication strategy.

The Guardian

The bakery has a staff of about 30 people, most of whom have been here for a considerable length of time, quite a few from day one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hunt said: "Many of these bodies were set up a considerable length of time ago, and times and demands have changed.

The Guardian - Film

The domestication process must have occurred in many stages over a considerable length of time as many different, independent characteristics of the plant were modified.

The New York Times - Science

Only with electricity and computer power has the sophistication of these exquisite automata been bested, and even then it has taken a considerable length of time.

The Guardian

This supposes that the volcanoes remain active for a considerable length of time, but there is no direct way of proving or disproving this.

The Guardian

"These communities were, for a considerable length of time, considered marginal because of problems with crime," said Neil J. Binder, a principal of Bellmarc Realty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a considerable length" to emphasize that something lasts longer or is larger than what might be expected. For instance, "The project took a considerable length of time to complete."

Common error

Avoid using "a considerable length" to directly quantify countable nouns. Instead of saying "a considerable length of books", use "a considerable number of books". "Length" refers to continuous extents, not discrete items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a considerable length" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying nouns related to time, distance, or extent. As Ludwig indicates, it describes something that is notably long or extensive. It is commonly used to emphasize the duration or size of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a considerable length" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the notable duration, distance, or extent of something. It is considered grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase functions as an adjectival phrase and carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for a wide range of writing. Remember to use it when you want to highlight that something is longer or larger than expected. The alternative formulations are "a substantial duration" or "a significant period".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial duration

Focuses on the time aspect, emphasizing the extent of the duration.

a significant period

Highlights the importance of the time frame involved.

a prolonged period

Highlights the sustained nature of the time frame.

an extended duration

Emphasizes the prolonged nature of the time period.

a protracted interval

Suggests a drawn-out or prolonged period of time.

a lengthy stretch

Suggests a long and continuous extent, often used for physical distances or periods of time.

a sizeable distance

Emphasizes the magnitude of the physical distance.

a notable extent

Focuses on the degree or scope of something.

a good while

An informal way to express a considerable amount of time.

a long haul

Implies a task or journey that takes a significant amount of time and effort.

FAQs

How can I use "a considerable length" in a sentence?

You can use "a considerable length" to describe durations or distances. For instance, "The movie ran for "a considerable length of time"" or "The coastline extended for "a considerable length"".

What are some alternatives to "a considerable length"?

Alternatives include "a substantial duration", "a significant period", or "an extended duration", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "considerable length of time" or "considerable amount of time"?

"Considerable length of time" is typically used to emphasize the duration. "Considerable amount of time" is also correct and focuses on the quantity of time.

When should I use "a considerable length" versus "a considerable distance"?

Use "a considerable length" when describing something that has a linear extent or duration. Use "a considerable distance" specifically to describe the space between two points.