a long stick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long stick" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use the phrase to describe a particular item or to talk generally about a long stick. Example: He reached out with a long stick and grabbed the apple from the tree.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Push the second bag up to the level of the other bag with a long stick.

Princeton University

"I'm running around all over the place, looking for a long stick," he said.

The New Yorker

He was not a massive defenseman with a long stick killing intruders.

The New Yorker

An osprey sat on top of a long stick that served as a mooring.

The New Yorker

In another appearance with Paar, Mr. Winters was handed a long stick and asked to improvise.

The Washington Post

When you are sure they have stopped burning, use a long stick to move them.

The New York Times

Maia fished for a chunk of ice and eventually caught one with a long stick.

The Guardian - Travel

I found a long stick in the woods and poked around the bags and under the seats.

The New Yorker

I wait in the courtyard, watching a security man knock unripe mangoes from a tree with a long stick.

The Economist

But that didn't work, so later they used a long stick like a pestle heated in the fire.

Independent

Given a long stick and a stone too big to fit down the tube, they chose the stick without hesitation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an object's dimensions, ensure that "long" accurately conveys the intended length relative to other dimensions. For example, a "long stick" implies that the length is significantly greater than its width or thickness.

Common error

Avoid using "long" to describe height or depth when other adjectives are more appropriate. For instance, use "tall stick" for vertical height and avoid saying "long stick" when you mean a stick with a specific diameter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long stick" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing literal objects used for various purposes, such as reaching, drawing, or support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long stick" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe an object characterized by its significant length. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, from news reports and scientific studies to instructional guides. Its primary function is descriptive, often referring to tools or objects employed for specific purposes, and its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. While it's important to consider context and avoid using "long" when other dimensional adjectives are more fitting, "a long stick" remains a reliable and widely understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy stick

Emphasizes the extended dimension of the stick. It replaces "long" with a synonym.

a lengthy rod

Focuses on length using a synonym for both 'long' and 'stick', offering a slightly more formal tone.

an elongated stick

Highlights the extended shape of the stick. Emphasizes the act of lengthening.

a wooden pole

Specifies the material of the long object. It replaces "stick" with "pole" and adds the material.

an extended rod

Uses more formal terms for length and object. Replaces "long" and "stick" with synonyms.

a long branch

Identifies the stick as originating from a tree. It replaces "stick" with "branch".

a tall staff

Indicates a stick used for support or authority. It replaces "long" with "tall" and "stick" with "staff".

a long cane

Suggests a stick used for walking assistance. It replaces "stick" with "cane".

a reaching pole

Highlights the function of extending reach. Focuses on the stick's purpose.

a slender pole

Emphasizes thinness and length, altering the object description. Adds an adjective for physical attributes.

FAQs

How can I use "a long stick" in a sentence?

You can use "a long stick" to describe an object with significant length, such as "He used "a long stick" to reach the apple from the tree" or "The artist drew lines in the sand with "a long stick"".

What are some alternatives to "a long stick"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a lengthy stick", "a wooden pole", or "an extended rod".

When is it appropriate to use "a long stick" versus "a tall stick"?

"A long stick" is generally used when referring to the horizontal length, while "a tall stick" refers to the vertical height of the stick. If the stick is standing upright, "a tall stick" would be more appropriate.

Is there a difference between "a long stick" and "a walking stick"?

Yes, while ""a long stick"" is a general description, "a walking stick" implies that the stick is specifically designed and used for assistance with walking. "A long stick" could be any stick that is long, regardless of its purpose.