a long sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sentence that contains many words or is complex in structure. Example: "The author often employs a long sentence to convey intricate ideas and emotions in their writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her longing was perhaps even deeper than a guilty verdict  and a long sentence.

Huffington Post

That's a long sentence!

The New Yorker

Did he expect a long sentence?

The New York Times

That was a long sentence.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The example is a long sentence.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I prayed that he would not get a long sentence".

Independent

Roberts simply found that such a long sentence was appropriate.

The Washington Post

She faces a long sentence, possibly 70 years, if convicted.

The New York Times

And life is a long sentence when you're 21.

The Guardian

Judge Peter Thornton QC warned that he will face "a long sentence of imprisonment".

Independent

But defense lawyers also dispute prosecutors' argument that a long sentence is necessary for deterrence purposes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long sentence", ensure it maintains clarity and coherence. Break down complex ideas into smaller, manageable clauses to prevent reader fatigue.

Common error

Avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information in a single sentence. If "a long sentence" becomes convoluted, it's better to split it into multiple shorter sentences for improved readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long sentence" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, typically used to characterize the length or complexity of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it referring to both grammatical structures and prison terms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long sentence" is a common descriptive phrase used to indicate that a sentence is extended in length or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While frequently used in news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific contexts. When employing "a long sentence" in your writing, ensure clarity and coherence to maintain reader engagement. Consider breaking it down if it becomes too convoluted. Alternatives like "an extended sentence" or "a lengthy sentence" may also be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extended sentence

Replaces 'long' with 'extended', emphasizing the increased length.

a lengthy sentence

Substitutes 'long' with 'lengthy', which also denotes considerable length.

a complex sentence

Focuses on the complexity of the sentence's structure rather than just its length.

an elaborate sentence

Emphasizes the detailed and intricate nature of the sentence.

a rambling sentence

Suggests the sentence is excessively long and lacks focus.

a protracted sentence

Implies the sentence is drawn out unnecessarily.

an involved sentence

Indicates the sentence is complicated and requires careful reading.

a verbose sentence

Highlights the use of more words than necessary.

a convoluted sentence

Suggests the sentence is difficult to understand due to its complexity.

a meandering sentence

Similar to 'rambling', indicating the sentence wanders from its main point.

FAQs

How can I improve the readability of "a long sentence"?

To enhance readability, try breaking down "a long sentence" into shorter, more digestible parts. Use conjunctions and transitions effectively to connect ideas smoothly.

What are some alternatives to using "a long sentence"?

Consider using alternatives like "an extended sentence" or "a lengthy sentence" if you need to emphasize the length. For complexity, use "a complex sentence".

When is it appropriate to use "a long sentence" in writing?

Using "a long sentence" can be appropriate when you need to convey intricate details or complex relationships between ideas. However, always prioritize clarity and avoid overwhelming the reader.

What's the difference between "a long sentence" and "a complex sentence"?

"A long sentence" refers primarily to the length of the sentence, while "a complex sentence" indicates the sentence structure involves multiple clauses and interconnected ideas.