a longer method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a longer method" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing methods based on their length or complexity, indicating that one method takes more time or steps than another. Example: "While the shorter method is more efficient, a longer method may provide more thorough results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For instance, if someone has attempted suicide or is threatening suicide, self-harm, or harm to another individual, you should call the police instead of resorting to a longer method.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Divide the denominator by the numerator, and your answer, when rounded, is 3,834--the same number you would have arrived at by use of the longer method.

WikiHow

If you absolutely cannot let the conversation go, consider a longer-form method -- while snail mail is so last century, email is only so last decade.

Huffington Post

And even the longer methods do not take much time.

The New York Times

With regard to these issues, it remains unknown to what extent differences in the frequency (every minute vs. hourly), timing (SIRS criteria transiently present at any time point in the last 24 hours vs. simultaneously present during a longer period) and method (automated vs. manual) of data capture may affect the diagnosis of sepsis.

Critical Care

With proper counseling at the point-of-service, they can be encouraged toward a longer trial of the method or toward adopting alternative methods promptly after discontinuing their current method.

Global health, science and practice

You can make multiple bundles for packing for a longer trip, using this method to keep the individual items for specific days separate, saving you from having to dig through your bag for the right pair of socks.

WikiHow

The ranges in brackets represent the 68.3% confidence intervals as calculated using F-statistics and error-surface projection method (Bevington & Robinson, 1992)." We also included a longer description/explanation in the Methods (subsection "Competition differential bleaching assay monitored by Microscale Thermophoresis to measure CRM1-NES affinities").

eLife

The potential of this method over a longer time period is a topic to be investigated in the future.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

The method has a longer history in the United Kingdom, where it led to a conviction in a murder case in 2004.

Science Magazine

Our modified method incorporates a longer decantation time after cell lysis, an additional centrifugation step to eliminate most mitochondrial contamination, and changes to the discontinuous iodixanol gradient used in the final ultracentrifugation step.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, clarify why you chose "a longer method". Explain the potential benefits, such as increased accuracy or thoroughness, to justify the extra time or effort.

Common error

Don't automatically assume that "a longer method" is superior. Always evaluate whether the additional time and effort are justified by the results, or if a shorter method could achieve the same outcome more efficiently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a longer method" functions as a noun phrase, where 'longer' is an adjective modifying 'method'. It typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence, as Ludwig shows in several examples, indicating a process or technique that requires more time or steps compared to another.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a longer method" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a process or technique that takes more time or involves more steps. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, including scientific, general, and news-related content, though its occurrence is relatively rare. The choice of using "a longer method" often implies a trade-off, suggesting that the additional time or effort results in benefits like greater accuracy or thoroughness. When using this phrase, it's crucial to justify the choice, ensuring the added time is warranted by the outcome. Alternatives include phrases like "a more complex approach" or "a more detailed procedure", which may better suit specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more time-consuming method

Focuses on the duration required by the method.

a lengthier process

Similar to 'time-consuming', but with a broader scope.

a more complex approach

Emphasizes the intricacy and difficulty of the method.

a more elaborate technique

Highlights the detailed and intricate nature of the method.

an extended procedure

Suggests that the method involves additional steps or phases.

a more involved strategy

Highlights the engagement and resources required.

a detailed methodology

Emphasizes the level of detail and precision in the method.

a protracted way

Implies that the method is unnecessarily prolonged.

a roundabout manner

Suggests that the method is indirect and not the most efficient.

a comprehensive system

Indicates that the method is thorough and covers all aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "a longer method" in a sentence?

You can use "a longer method" to describe a process that takes more time or involves more steps compared to alternatives. For instance, "While the quick method is convenient, "a longer method" ensures a more thorough cleaning process".

What are some alternatives to "a longer method"?

Some alternatives include "a more complex approach", "a more detailed procedure", or "a more time-consuming method", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to choose "a longer method" over a shorter one?

Choose "a longer method" when the benefits, such as increased accuracy, thoroughness, or reliability, outweigh the additional time and effort required. It's often appropriate in situations where precision is critical.

What's the difference between "a longer method" and "a more thorough method"?

While "a longer method" implies that the process takes more time, "a more thorough method" suggests that the process is more comprehensive and covers all aspects. A longer method may or may not be more thorough, and vice versa.