a long tale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long tale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a story or narrative that is lengthy in nature. Example: "The book is filled with a long tale of adventure and discovery that captivates the reader from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Miss Kanaly's employer tells a long tale about what a sad life the woman had and that she's a saint.

The New Yorker

Through the history of cartography, surveillance, and reconnaissance runs a long tale of instrumentalization, a history of calculable images primed for machine-readability.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She also tells a long tale about a couple who took a family photo, three years running, representing the "Night Before Xmas" & sent it as a Christmas card.

The New Yorker

There Harriet Stowe began to write a long tale of slavery, based on her reading of abolitionist literature and on her personal observations in Ohio and Kentucky.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A similarly spare, evocative landscape also figures in "A Long Tale for an Autumn Night," another ink-and-color painting from around 1400.

The New York Times

Joaquim Arruda, 67, a planter wearing a Yankees cap, pulled a five-inch blade from his jeans and told a long tale about himself and another man's woman.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

We wanted to treat each story as a big long tale, like we would for a story about a cop killing.

Huffington Post

(Angelo) 'It's a Long Story' (Friday) Comics present tales that are often too twisty and time-consuming for punchline bits.

The New York Times - Arts

So consider this dispatch just the first installment in a long, long tale of some of the moves that have been, or will be, made in the maddeningly complex New Great Game, which goes on unceasingly, no matter what else muscles into the headlines this week.

Huffington Post

He explained that in devising this program, which concluded Lincoln Center's White Light Festival, he had tried to choose pieces that would tell a story, a centuries-long tale with twists and turns, tracing a long arc of decisions, choices and styles.

The New York Times - Arts

Your hostess regales you with a long, meandering tale of her recent back surgery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a long tale" when you want to emphasize the extensive nature of a story, either in terms of its duration or its complexity. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "a long tale" too frequently in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "a long story" or "it's complicated" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"A long tale" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "tell a long tale") or as a complement. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long tale" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe a narrative that is lengthy or complex. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives like "a long story" in more informal settings. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media. Understanding its function and purpose ensures effective communication, either in writing or conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy story

Emphasizes the extended duration or length of the narrative.

an extended narrative

Highlights the detailed and prolonged aspect of the account.

a protracted account

Focuses on the drawn-out nature of the story.

a rambling narrative

Suggests the story is disorganized and lengthy.

an elaborate story

Highlights the detailed and intricate nature of the narrative.

a winding narrative

Implies the story has many twists and turns.

a detailed chronicle

Focuses on the thorough and comprehensive nature of the story.

a drawn-out saga

Implies the story is epic and prolonged.

a lengthy anecdote

Refers to a long, personal story.

a long-winded yarn

Emphasizes the wordiness and perhaps exaggerated nature of the story.

FAQs

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

You can use "a long tale" to describe a story that is lengthy or complex. For example, "He told "a long tale" about his adventures in Africa".

What can I say instead of "a long tale"?

You can use alternatives like "a lengthy story", "an extended narrative", or "a protracted account" depending on the context.

Is "a long tale" the same as "a tall tale"?

No, ""a long tale"" simply means a lengthy story, while "a tall tale" refers to an exaggerated or unbelievable story.

When is it appropriate to use "a long tale"?

"A long tale" is suitable when you want to emphasize the length or complexity of a narrative, whether in formal writing or informal conversation.