a few lengths

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few lengths" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a distance or a gap, often in contexts like racing or swimming, indicating that one competitor is ahead of another by a certain distance. Example: "In the final lap, she pulled ahead, winning the race by a few lengths."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I envision that he will improve a few lengths off his Wood Memorial.

The New York Times - Sports

They're just going to have to be a few lengths better than I thought they were.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm heading into the far turn a few lengths back and on the leaders' flank".

The New York Times - Sports

Nonetheless as I tackle a few lengths the experience is joyous.

Independent

Sometimes she wins by a few lengths, sometimes by a neck.

The New York Times

After treatment, "I was missing a few bits" - including womb, ovaries and "a few lengths of bowel".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

With this caveat in mind, we looked at a few length ranges, by masking both the reference and predicted state assignments for IDRs shorter than the selected thresholds.

Bioinformatics

This time, the water was 18C and I was in the wetsuit so I managed to plough up and down for a good few lengths.

The Guardian - Travel

Using your head can extend the key's wireless range by a few car lengths.

The New York Times - Tech

The car rocked in the wind, and sometimes visibility was reduced to only a few car lengths.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I did 1500 watts and usually when I do 1500 watts I win by a few bike lengths".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a lead or deficit in sports, use "a few lengths" to convey a tangible sense of the gap between competitors.

Common error

Avoid using "a few lengths" when precision is required; instead, use numerical values (e.g., "two meters") for accurate measurements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few lengths" functions as a quantifier and adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe relative positions or distances. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few lengths" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that denotes a short distance or lead, often in competitive contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its suitability for various situations, particularly in news, wiki, and science-related content. While precise measurements might be preferred in formal settings, "a few lengths" provides a relatable and easily understood way to describe relative positions. It is important to use "a few lengths" only when the number of lengths is indeed a few and not a large amount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several lengths

Emphasizes a slightly larger, but still indefinite, number of lengths.

a couple of lengths

Specifies the quantity as two lengths, making it more precise.

a short distance

Replaces the specific unit of "lengths" with a more general measure of distance.

a small measure

Abstracts the idea to a small quantity of something, not necessarily distance.

a handful of lengths

Implies a small, manageable amount of lengths.

a limited extent

Focuses on the limited scope or range.

a restricted space

Highlights the limited area or region.

a narrow margin

Suggests a close or tight gap, often in competitive situations.

a fractional part

Implies a very small, almost insignificant amount.

a tad further

Informal way of saying a little bit more distance.

FAQs

How can I use "a few lengths" in a sentence?

You can use "a few lengths" to describe a short distance or lead, especially in races or swimming, like: "The horse won by "a few lengths"."

What can I say instead of "a few lengths"?

You can use alternatives like "several lengths", "a short distance", or "a couple of lengths" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a few lengths" or "few lengths"?

"A few lengths" is the grammatically correct option as it includes the article "a", indicating an indefinite but small number of lengths. "Few lengths" would imply a scarcity of lengths, which is not typically the intended meaning.

Is "a few lengths" formal or informal language?

"A few lengths" falls into the category of neutral language, suitable for both news reporting and casual conversation depending on the situation.