a long nose

USAGE SUMMARY

'a long nose' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe the physical appearance of someone or something, for example: 'The elephant had a long nose'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

ELEPHANTS, it seems, have a long nose for danger.

The Economist

After all, the original Pinocchio also had a long nose.

The Guardian - Arts

Your lie, as it happens, is one of those that have a long nose".

The New Yorker

One man wore a huge pink Pinocchio head with a long nose.

The New York Times

He grew into a tall, thin man, with a long nose but likable face.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kevork Khatchadourian had a thin face, a long nose, big eyes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The top lot in the sale, No. 260, is a long-nose putter stamped "A.D".

The New York Times - Arts

They shoved guns — a shotgun and a long-nose.357 Magnum — in the couple's faces and reiterated their demand.

The New York Times

Another had a "Monstrous Long Nose resembling a Speaking Trumpet".

The New Yorker

Another man making eye contact with us, squeezed in and isolated to the right of the horse, has a distinctively long nose and a W-shaped mustache: he is almost surely the artist.

The New Yorker

A new type of Tyrannosaur with a very long nose has been nicknamed "Pinocchio rex".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's appearance, consider adding details about the shape or bridge of the "long nose" for a more vivid image.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on physical traits like having "a long nose" to define a character. Balance physical descriptions with personality traits and actions to create a well-rounded portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long nose" functions primarily as a noun phrase, used to describe a physical attribute. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It can act as a subject complement (e.g., 'He had a long nose') or an object of a preposition (e.g., 'with a long nose').

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a long nose" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used primarily for describing physical appearance. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and confirms that "a long nose" functions in a neutral register and appears most frequently in news and media sources. While seemingly straightforward, descriptions using "a long nose" can be enhanced by specifying shape and considering potential implications in different contexts. It is also important to avoid overuse of physical description alone, in order to create a well-rounded image of what is being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an elongated nose

Replaces "long" with a synonym, emphasizing the extended length of the nose.

a lengthy nose

Another synonym for "long", maintaining the focus on the nose's length.

a prominent nose

Shifts the focus to the nose's projection and how noticeable it is.

a sizable nose

Uses a more formal synonym for "large", indicating a considerable size.

a large nose

Uses a more general term for size, indicating the nose is bigger than average.

a big nose

Similar to "a large nose", this is a more informal way to describe a nose that is larger than usual.

a Roman nose

Specifies a particular shape of a long nose, characterized by a prominent bridge.

a long, thin nose

Adds the characteristic of thinness to further describe the shape of the nose, focusing on two distinct features.

a nose of considerable length

A more formal and descriptive way of saying the nose is long, emphasizing its notable length.

a hooked nose

Changes the description to focus on a curved shape rather than just length, can imply other shapes of nose, but generally has a long shape as well.

FAQs

How can I describe "a long nose" in more detail?

You can use more specific terms such as "roman nose" or "hooked nose" to provide a clearer image. Also, consider adding adjectives to describe its width or bridge.

What is the significance of having "a long nose" in literature?

In literature, having "a long nose" can be a neutral physical characteristic or be used to imply character traits, depending on the context and the author's intent. Sometimes it can even be used in caricatures.

Is it impolite to describe someone as having "a long nose"?

It depends on the context and your tone. Describing someone as having "a long nose" is generally not considered polite if said directly or in a negative manner. Consider the person's feelings and the potential for offense.

Which is a better way to say "a long nose": "elongated nose" or "prominent nose"?

"Elongated nose" focuses on the length, while "prominent nose" emphasizes how much the nose sticks out. The best choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.