a great length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great length" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a significant amount of effort, time, or detail taken to achieve something or explain a point. Example: "The author went to a great length to ensure that every detail of the story was accurate and engaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

6 or 15 second video format is a great length for that.

The Guardian - Tech

Then he opened the door to an immense, pristine kitchen, dominated by a great length of polished black stone.

The New Yorker

A novella is a great length, and it's a demanding genre in which things have to be settled quickly".

The Guardian - Books

According to a reporter who was there, attendees discussed "to a great length" the president's intentions and the implications of sending representatives.

The New York Times

His S.C. Johnson building becomes a great length of dark tartan, only just tethered to the earth; while the Seagram skyscraper looms like a giant black mirror, eerily reflecting nothing back of the world.

The Guardian

Part of what's informed this piece is Jung's 'Man and His Symbols.' We are born with the knowledge of the history that's preceded us, to put in a very simple way something which Jung took a great length of time to explain.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But new documents seen by the BBC's Persian service show he went to a great lengths to ensure the Americans would not jeopardise his plans to return to Iran – and even personally wrote to US officials.

The Guardian

It is austere, rapt; whether interest can be sustained over a greater length remains to be seen.

The New York Times - Arts

"You develop character at a greater length and the story is more complex and deeper than cinema," he said.

The Guardian - Film

Tromholt suggested that future studies should investigate the effect of quitting Facebook for a greater length of time and look at other social networks, including Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter.

The Guardian - Tech

The combination fracture group had a greater length of hospitalisation (18 vs 13 days p < 0.0001).

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great length", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to time, distance, or effort. Be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a great length" when a more specific term like "duration", "distance", or "effort" would provide greater clarity and precision. Always consider if a more direct word exists instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great length" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to describe the extent or degree to which an action is performed or a condition exists. It specifies the magnitude of effort, time, or physical distance involved, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

45%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a great length" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to emphasize the significant amount of effort, time, or distance involved in a particular situation. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as a noun phrase modifying a verb or adjective, highlighting the extent or degree of an action or condition. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and Wiki contexts, with neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by choosing a more precise alternative like "duration", "distance", or "effort" if the context demands it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable duration

Replaces "length" with "duration" to emphasize the time aspect.

an extended period

Similar to "a considerable duration", focusing on the prolonged nature of something.

a significant amount of time

Replaces "length" with "amount of time", making the phrase more explicit about time.

a substantial distance

Shifts the focus to physical distance rather than time or effort.

a large extent

Replaces "length" with "extent", referring to the degree or scope of something.

a long stretch

Suggests a continuous period or distance.

a protracted span

Emphasizes the drawn-out nature of a period.

a sizable portion

Focuses on the quantity or amount rather than duration.

a vast expanse

Conveys a sense of great area or scope.

a wide range

Indicates the scope encompasses various elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great length" to describe the amount of effort, time, or detail someone puts into something. For example, "The researcher went to a great length to verify the data".

What can I say instead of "a great length"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable duration", "an extended period", or "a significant amount of time" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a great length" or "a considerable length"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a considerable length" might be preferred when emphasizing the substantial duration or distance, while "a great length" often implies significant effort or detail.

Can "a great length" refer to physical distance or only to time and effort?

"A great length" can refer to physical distance, time, or the extent of effort. However, using "a substantial distance" might be clearer when referring to physical space.