a lengthy list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lengthy list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a list that is long in terms of the number of items or the amount of information it contains. Example: "The report included a lengthy list of recommendations for improving the company's performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He recited a lengthy list.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is a lengthy list of exceptions.

The Guardian

It's not a lengthy list of diktats.

The Guardian - Sport

(It does, however, offer a lengthy list of fish dishes).

The Guardian - Travel

It is not a lengthy list, by any means.

The Guardian - Sport

A lengthy list of Spanish wines provides welcome liquid accompaniment.

The New York Times - Travel

That said, he did have a lengthy list of qualities he needed for his Fosca.

The New York Times

In fact, there's a lengthy list of problems, many of them structural.

The Economist

China has a lengthy list of industries where it has long-term ambitions.

The New York Times

Wetland compiled a lengthy list of the Siebrecht/Montroy feather counts for particular birds.

The Guardian

The White House announced a lengthy list of objections to the Senate legislation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lengthy list", ensure the items on the list are clearly related to the main topic. This provides context and prevents the list from feeling arbitrary or overwhelming to the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "a lengthy list". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "an extensive inventory" or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lengthy list" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement within a sentence. It denotes a collection of items, attributes, or reasons that are notably numerous, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lengthy list" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a long compilation of items, reasons, or attributes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As evidenced by the examples, it's most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science related sources. While "a long list" is a simpler alternative, "a lengthy list" often carries a connotation of thoroughness or potential tedium. When using this phrase, ensure the list's content is relevant and consider varying sentence structure to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long enumeration of items

More descriptive, explicitly stating the 'list' is composed of 'items'.

a prolonged catalog of items

Uses 'prolonged' to emphasize the length and 'catalog' instead of list.

a wide collection of items

Uses "wide collection" instead of "lengthy list", highlighting variety rather than just quantity

an extensive inventory

Replaces 'list' with 'inventory' suggesting a more formal or detailed compilation.

a comprehensive catalog

Substitutes 'list' with 'catalog', implying a structured and detailed collection.

a substantial record

Uses 'record' instead of 'list', highlighting the documented nature of the items.

a detailed compendium

Replaces 'list' with 'compendium', suggesting a summary or collection of information.

a considerable array

Substitutes 'list' with 'array', which implies an ordered arrangement or display.

a considerable enumeration

Replaces 'list' with 'enumeration', emphasizing the act of counting or specifying items one by one.

an exhaustive index

Replaces 'list' with 'index', often used for organized and referenced information.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lengthy list" to describe a collection of items, reasons, or qualities that is notably long. For example, "The document contained a lengthy list of potential risks." or "She presented a lengthy list of reasons why the project should be approved."

What are some alternatives to "a lengthy list"?

Alternatives include "an extensive inventory", "a comprehensive catalog", or "a substantial record". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the list.

Is it better to say "a long list" or "a lengthy list"?

Both "a long list" and "a lengthy list" are correct, but "a lengthy list" often implies a more tedious or detailed list than "a long list". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone says there's "a lengthy list" of something?

It means there are many items, reasons, or issues related to a specific topic. It suggests that the topic is complex or involves numerous considerations.