a reasonable length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable length" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the appropriate or acceptable duration or size of something, such as a document, presentation, or piece of writing. Example: "The report should be concise and to the point, ideally at a reasonable length of about five pages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But we had to make it a reasonable length.

The Guardian - Film

"It would be nice to have it be a reasonable length," he says.

The Guardian

Also, if you share your experiences in the comments, please keep them to a reasonable length.

The New York Times

Please sign-up WELL in advance and prepare a reasonable length presentation.

Columbia University

The handle extends to a reasonable length for a 6'4″ person.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Today, the stories are kept to a reasonable length — eight hundred words or so.

The New Yorker

An agent should only be given a reasonable length of time to market your property and find potential buyers.

The Guardian - Money

The entire bridge is first divided into many substructures with a reasonable length.

Engineering Structures

The new code says shirts, "providing they have a square bottom," need not be tucked in," but "need to hang at a reasonable length".

The New York Times

These rules state that items must be "of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, as described and last a reasonable length of time".

The Guardian - Money

"But we believe that between 18 and 24 months is a reasonable length of time to balance privacy issues with business concerns".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting length constraints for submissions or presentations, provide specific examples (e.g., "a reasonable length, approximately 500 words") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something should be "a reasonable length" without any further qualification. Provide context or examples to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable length" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig provides multiple examples of its usage across diverse contexts. It serves to describe a dimension or duration that is appropriate or acceptable in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable length" is a versatile phrase used to describe an appropriate or acceptable extent or duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed in various contexts, including news media, science, academia, and general writing. While it is a common and useful phrase, remember to provide specific context or examples to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "a suitable length" or "an appropriate length" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a suitable length

Focuses on appropriateness for a specific purpose.

an appropriate length

Similar to 'suitable' but emphasizes conformity to a standard or expectation.

a fair length

Implies justice or equity in the duration or extent.

a sensible length

Emphasizes the practicality and good judgment in choosing the duration or extent.

a manageable length

Highlights the ease with which something can be handled or controlled.

a decent length

Suggests that the length is adequate or acceptable.

a practical length

Highlights the workability and usefulness of the length.

an optimal length

Refers to the length that produces the best possible outcome.

an acceptable duration

Focuses specifically on the time something lasts.

a tolerable duration

Emphasizes that a duration might not be ideal but is still within acceptable bounds.

FAQs

How can I use "a reasonable length" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasonable length" to describe the duration or size of something that is appropriate or acceptable, as in, "The presentation should be "a reasonable length", no more than 20 minutes".

What can I say instead of "a reasonable length"?

Alternatives include "a suitable length", "an appropriate length", or "a manageable length", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a reasonable length" or "a reasonable time"?

The choice depends on whether you are referring to physical extent or duration. Use "a reasonable length" for physical objects or documents, and "a reasonable time" for events or processes.

What factors determine "a reasonable length" for a contract?

Factors determining "a reasonable length" for a contract might include the complexity of the agreement, the typical duration of similar arrangements in the industry, and legal requirements.