a lengthy check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lengthy check" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a check that takes a considerable amount of time to complete, often in contexts like financial audits or inspections. Example: "The accountant conducted a lengthy check of all the financial records before finalizing the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Boullier said:."While the car wasn't particularly badly damaged, it was enough of an impact to warrant quite a lengthy check of the gearbox and power unit systems.

The Guardian - Sport

"While the car wasn't particularly badly damaged, it was enough of an impact to warrant quite a lengthy check of the gearbox and power unit systems," said Boullier.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The most reckless brag that they can make it from Los Angeles to San Francisco in four hours, less time and hassle than it would take to fly, if you count the trips to and from the airports and a lengthy check-in.

The New York Times - Travel

If you face a lengthy check-in at the airport, think about taking a few snacks and drinks with you.

WikiHow

Those who want to buy firearms must undergo a lengthy background check and interview with the police.

The New York Times

He was told that no visa could be issued before December because of a new requirement for a lengthy background check on applicants from certain countries, including Iran.

The New York Times

Twice when applying for a US work visa I was subjected to a Section 221G – a lengthy background check against a global database of terrorists – which almost lost me the jobs.

The Guardian

After passing a lengthy background check, I was given the lowest level security clearance (after all, I was only an intern) and allowed to learn more about American diplomacy.

Huffington Post

Pally's statement notes that the Clinton Giustra Enterprise Partnership "has come under heightened scrutiny" but does not specifically address Schweizer's suggestion of a potential quid pro quo, a task left to Clinton's campaign and an outside Democratic group that also issued a lengthy "reality check".

Los Angeles Times

She was idle on the lengthy check out line.

Huffington Post

If it seems lengthy, check for any unnecessary redundancies with the exception of the thank-you itself, each point should only be stated once.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lengthy check" when you want to emphasize that an examination or review process took a significant amount of time. This can be particularly useful in describing technical inspections, audits, or background checks.

Common error

Be mindful of the context in which you use "a lengthy check". Ensure that the duration of the check is justified, as implying unnecessary delays can create negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lengthy check" functions as a noun phrase, where "lengthy" is an adjective modifying the noun "check". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. This phrase typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lengthy check" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an examination or review process requiring a significant amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it is found across various sources, particularly in news and media and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the implied duration to avoid negative connotations. Alternatives such as "a thorough inspection" or "an extensive audit" may be more appropriate depending on the specific focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A lengthy investigation

Highlights the investigation process, is focused on the time it takes.

A time-consuming check

Directly addresses the aspect of time spent on the check.

A thorough inspection

Focuses on the completeness and detail of the examination, rather than its duration.

An extensive audit

Implies a formal review, particularly of financial records, highlighting breadth.

A prolonged assessment

Emphasizes the time taken for the evaluation, suitable when duration is key.

A detailed review

Stresses the level of detail involved in the examination.

A comprehensive examination

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the investigation.

An in-depth analysis

Suggests a deep dive into the subject matter, focusing on uncovering underlying issues.

A protracted examination

Emphasizes the extended nature of the assessment process.

A drawn-out review

Suggests the review took longer than expected or desired.

FAQs

How can I use "a lengthy check" in a sentence?

You might say, "The mechanic performed "a lengthy check" of the engine to diagnose the problem" or "Applicants must undergo "a lengthy check" before being approved".

What's the difference between "a lengthy check" and "a thorough check"?

"A lengthy check" emphasizes the duration of the check, while "a thorough check" highlights its completeness. A check can be thorough without being lengthy, and vice versa.

What can I say instead of "a lengthy check"?

You can use alternatives like "a prolonged assessment", "an extensive audit", or "a time consuming check" depending on the context.

Is "a lengthy check" always a negative thing?

Not necessarily. While it can imply delays, it can also suggest a comprehensive and careful examination, especially when thoroughness is important, such as in safety inspections or audits.