The phrase "a length in a" is not correct and lacks clarity in written English.
It may be used in contexts where you are trying to describe a specific measurement or dimension within a certain category or object, but it needs additional context to be meaningful.
Example: "The architect specified a length in a design document that outlined the dimensions of the new building."
Alternatives: "a measurement in a" or "a dimension in a".
Then he outran Ordway by half a length in a driving finish, with Sir Bear being nosed out for second.
Belgian Bill was beaten less than a length in a similar race at Royal Ascot last year and is only fractionally higher in the weights, despite continuing to run well.
Beaten less than a length in a handicap at Royal Ascot last year, when he did well to overcome a terrible draw, Windshear has been very consistent but has always looked a bit below this class.
He was disappointing at Cheltenham in November but we later found him to be suffering from gastric ulcers and, following a course of treatment, he put in a vastly improved performance at Ascot in February, being beaten half a length in a novice hurdle.
Hampered when in need of his reappearance, he is just 2lb higher than when beaten barely half a length in a very similar race over course and distance last year – so crowning his rejuvenation for this stable – and adores soft ground.
The colt who has come closest to emulating him in the intervening years, Camelot, winner of the 2,000 Guineas and Derby in 2012 before being beaten three-quarters of a length in a St Leger which seemed his for the taking, has today been retired days short of a possible appearance in the Champion Stakes.
"That horse looked us in the eye for a long time and kept staying a half a length, a half a length in front of us.
Reciclada, the favorite in a field of eight fillies and mares, won by a little more than a length in the $150,000 Top Flight Handicap at Aqueduct yesterday.
If a dress code specifies a length in inches, the teenager will try to get away with measuring in metric.
Why did she like a certain length in a skirt?
But Mr. Guthrie, the son of a retired doctor, described himself in great length in a profile on a Web site for men seeking brides from Russia.
