a fair length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fair length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is of a reasonable or adequate length, often in contexts like writing, speeches, or physical objects. Example: "The report was a fair length, providing enough detail without being overly lengthy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

These big guys often go a fair length of time without competing, anyway, but they do not like handing over their lucre in fines.

The Guardian - Sport

Williams used this phrase as a cricketing metaphor for a fair length and quality of life – analogous to the number of runs scored in a single cricket innings.

BMC Medical Ethics

(Note don't draw to close to an edge of paper) Draw a diagonal line like this \_\ it should be a fair length to accommodate the rest of the drawing.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Some scholars say it has to be a payment that is not an exchange for consideration ��� more than a fair arms length exchange".

Huffington Post

Article mentions old Pre-Catalan, Bustanobys, and Beaux Arts, at fair lengths.

The New Yorker

The Supreme Court should rule that fund advisers have a responsibility to set fees that are comparable to those they charge other customers, and what would be negotiated in a fair, arm's-length deal.

The New York Times

The effect of fairing length was also analyzed based on the damping mechanism model.

Composite Structures

Bruce Martin leaves a ball that bounces just over the stumps, although it was a fair enough leave on length.

The Guardian - Sport

For each aliquot, the length of a fair number of filaments (50 90) was determined and used to estimate the average filament length and its standard deviation.

Biomacromolecules

Oscar Pistorius's claim that his Paralympic 200m defeat was not a fair race because of the length of his rival's blades has thrown the debate over how athletes are classified into the mainstream.

BBC

Pistorius suffered a shock defeat to the Brazilian in the T44 200m final and afterwards claimed that he wasn't in a fair race because of the length of Oliveira's racing blades, although the South African later apologised for the timing of his remarks.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fair length" when you want to convey that something has an appropriate or reasonable duration or size. This phrase is suitable when you need to indicate adequacy without specifying an exact measurement.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on vague quantifiers like "a fair length" when precision is needed. If possible, provide specific measurements or more descriptive details to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a fair length" is to act as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a reasonable or adequate extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct. For instance, "They often go a fair length of time without competing."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33.3%

Science

33.3%

Wiki

33.3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fair length" is a phrase used to describe something of reasonable or adequate duration or size. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears across various contexts, including news, science and wiki sources. The phrase functions as an adjective modifying a noun, serving to communicate that something meets an acceptable standard without being excessive. For more precise descriptions, consider alternatives like "a reasonable duration" or "an adequate period".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair distance

Highlights that something is not close but not too far.

a reasonable duration

Focuses on the time aspect, suggesting an acceptable period.

an adequate period

Stresses the sufficiency of the time frame.

a considerable time

Emphasizes the notable amount of time involved.

a satisfactory period

Highlights that something is good enough to meet the expectations.

an appreciable extent

Highlights the noticeable degree or scope.

a decent interval

Suggests a suitable or respectable amount of time.

a moderate distance

Highlights that something is not too short or too far.

an average length

Highlights that something has a medium dimension.

a tolerable stretch

Implies an acceptable duration that can be endured.

FAQs

What does "a fair length" mean?

The phrase "a fair length" refers to a duration or extent that is considered reasonable or adequate in a given context. It suggests that something is neither excessively short nor overly long.

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

You can use "a fair length" to describe the duration of an event, the size of an object, or any other measurable quantity. For example: "The report was "a fair length", providing enough detail without being overly verbose."

What are some alternatives to "a fair length"?

Alternatives to "a fair length" include "a reasonable duration", "an adequate period", or "a considerable time". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a fair length" or a more specific measurement?

While "a fair length" can be useful in general contexts, using a more specific measurement is often preferable when precision is important. If the exact length is known or can be easily determined, providing that information will enhance clarity.