a lengthy trial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lengthy trial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a trial that takes a significant amount of time to complete, often due to its complexity or the number of witnesses involved. Example: "The defendant's case was complicated, leading to a lengthy trial that lasted several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That agreement prevented a lengthy trial.

The Guardian - Music

Obtaining that help, however, can become a lengthy trial.

The Washington Post

After a lengthy trial, Haughey and three others were acquitted.

The Guardian

Unlike impeachment proceedings, the ouster proposed by lawmakers would not require a lengthy trial, he said.

The New York Times

Iraq has proved to be a lengthy trial of struggle, drift, public failure and private embarrassment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The charges in the case are one step in what could result in a lengthy trial.

The New York Times

After a lengthy trial, Haughey and three others were aquitted by a jury.

The Guardian

After a lengthy trial, the jury rejected Hecht's claim, ruling instead that Bross was a free servant.

Britannica

After a lengthy trial, the jury cleared them of all charges in less than 11 hours of deliberation.

The Guardian

Foolishly, the police raided and wasted a lot of taxpayers' money in bringing her to a lengthy trial.

Independent

An "investigation" is begun, which leads to a series of criminal charges, which, in turn, leads to a lengthy trial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In news reports or historical accounts, "a lengthy trial" can effectively convey the scale and impact of a legal case, emphasizing the resources and time invested.

Common error

Avoid attributing the length of "a lengthy trial" solely to inefficiency or incompetence. Often, the duration reflects the complexity of the case, the number of witnesses, or the legal strategies employed by both sides.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lengthy trial" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "lengthy" modifies the noun "trial". As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and used to describe a trial that requires a significant amount of time to conclude.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lengthy trial" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a trial that takes a considerable amount of time. Ludwig examples show it commonly appears in news and academic contexts, signaling the complexity or importance of the case. As Ludwig AI explains, related phrases such as "a protracted trial" or "an extended trial" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure you attribute the length to appropriate factors like case complexity rather than solely to inefficiency. This ensures clear and accurate communication regarding legal proceedings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a protracted trial

Emphasizes the extended duration of the trial, often implying it was unnecessarily long.

a prolonged trial

Similar to "protracted", highlighting the extended time frame of the trial.

an extended trial

Focuses on the fact that the trial lasted for a significant duration.

a long-lasting trial

Highlights the enduring nature of the trial, emphasizing its long duration.

a time-consuming trial

Focuses on the amount of time the trial required.

a drawn-out trial

Implies the trial was unnecessarily prolonged and tedious.

a marathon trial

Uses a metaphor to emphasize the extreme length and endurance required.

a complex trial

Shifts focus from the length to the intricate nature of the trial, which often contributes to its duration.

a long and arduous trial

Adds emphasis on the difficulty and challenges involved in the trial process.

a protracted legal battle

Broadens the scope to include the entire legal process, not just the trial itself.

FAQs

What does "a lengthy trial" mean?

The phrase "a lengthy trial" refers to a legal proceeding that takes a considerable amount of time to complete, often due to the complexity of the case, the number of witnesses, or other factors that prolong the process.

What are some alternatives to saying "a lengthy trial"?

You can use alternatives such as "a protracted trial", "a prolonged trial", or "an extended trial", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a lengthy trial"?

It's appropriate to use "a lengthy trial" when you want to emphasize that a trial took a significant amount of time, often implying that it was more complex or involved than a typical trial.

What factors might contribute to a trial becoming "a lengthy trial"?

Several factors can lead to a trial becoming a lengthy one, including a large number of witnesses, complex evidence, extensive legal arguments, and procedural delays.