a long strip of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long strip of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical object that is elongated and narrow, often referring to materials or items that have a strip-like shape. Example: "She cut a long strip of fabric to use for her sewing project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A long strip of grass outside a school which Corcoran had previously denounced had been uprooted.

The Guardian

You might also draw out these life-sized characters on a long strip of butcher paper.

The New York Times

The something is a long strip of fabric that hangs from Mr. Gonzalez's mouth like a pharaoh's beard.

The New York Times - Arts

His first design, patented in 1884, used a long strip of paper into which holes were punched to represent information.

The Economist

I use the knife to cut a long strip of fruit peel for homemade candied citrus peel.

The New York Times - Magazine

Shave off a long strip of orange peel, avoiding the pith, and put in a small pan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Each has a skirt made with the same leaves - a long strip of brown bark holding it in place.

The Guardian - Travel

— The crowd gathers early each morning at the unemployment center, which sits amid a long strip of beige government buildings in the center of town.

The New York Times

A long strip of wooded land at the back of the lot is owned jointly with the owners of the neighboring houses.

The New York Times

The story, with a different accent, is similar at DiPaolo Bros. Bakery in Newark, where fanciful gingerbread houses top a long strip of bakery cases.

The New York Times

In New Town, I shot a man slicing carefully through a long strip of laminate for a floor covering, on his hands and knees.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long strip of", ensure the context clearly indicates the material or substance being described. For example, "a long strip of paper" is more specific than just "a long strip".

Common error

Avoid using "a long strip of" to describe abstract concepts or non-physical things. Stick to physical objects or quantifiable entities. It's more appropriate to use other phrases when describing abstract ideas.

Linguistic Context

A long strip of functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adjectival modifier to describe a noun. It specifies the shape and dimensions of the noun, indicating that it is elongated and relatively narrow. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long strip of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the shape and dimensions of physical objects. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki sources. While it is suitable for general use, it is important to apply it to tangible objects rather than abstract ideas. Using more specific alternatives, like "a long streak of" or "a thin strip of", can provide greater clarity depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long streak of

Implies a mark or trace, often associated with color or movement.

a long stretch of

Indicates an unbroken expanse or duration, commonly used for distances or periods.

a long band of

Emphasizes the linear and uniform nature of the area or object.

a long swathe of

Suggests a wide area or expanse that has been cut or cleared.

a long swath of

Similar to "swathe", but can also imply a large quantity or effect.

a long belt of

Refers to a continuous band or zone, often associated with geographical features.

a lengthy band of

This emphasizes the significant length of a band, indicating it's notably long.

an extended piece of

Highlights the length and continuity of the object, focusing on its physical dimension.

an elongated section of

Focuses on the section being longer than its width, suitable when emphasizing proportions.

a drawn-out expanse of

Implies something that is not only long but also somewhat tedious or extended in time or space.

FAQs

How can I use "a long strip of" in a sentence?

You can use "a long strip of" to describe physical objects that are elongated and narrow. For example: "She cut "a long strip of fabric" for the project" or "The beach was "a long strip of sand" near the water".

What are some alternatives to "a long strip of"?

Alternatives include "a long streak of", "a long stretch of", or "a lengthy band of", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a long strip of" and "a thin strip of"?

"A long strip of" focuses on the length, while "a thin strip of" emphasizes the narrow width. Both describe a strip, but highlight different dimensions.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a long strip of"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "a long strip of" to describe abstract concepts or intangible things. The phrase is best suited for physical objects with notable length and narrowness.