a record length of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a record length of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a measurement or duration that is the longest recorded in a particular context. Example: "The marathon was completed in a record length of 2 hours and 1 minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A record number of Americans is unemployed for a record length of time.

University of California, Berkeley

However, the ground motion observed during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake contained strong long-period waves that lasted for a record length of 3 min.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Trump upended one spending agreement, after signaling acceptance, which caused the government to shut down for a record length of time and caused embarrassment for McConnell.

The Washington Post

Monthly and annual streamflow data with a record length of 55 years were used to capture streamflow variability at intra-annual, inter-annual and inter-decadal scales.

Journal of Hydrology

In another sign of how competitive the car market has become, auto companies spent a record amount on incentives in July, yet their vehicles sat unsold on dealers' lots for a record length of time.

The New York Times

Bush also announced that the Pentagon would be reducing combat tours from a record length of 15 months to 12 months, attributing this reduction to a "return on success" of the surge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The seismic data with a recording length of 8 s two-way travel time (TWT) along E W and N S profiles were processed up to the prestack time migration stage.

Petroleum Science

In the medium's early years, 35mm film reels featured a recording length of approximately 11 minutes, making the single-shot a technical impossibility as far as feature films were concerned.

Vice

19 hours is indeed a record length for the first clear of a Destiny raid.

Forbes

This standardized task ensured a video record length of a minimum of 6 full minutes.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

After a historic, record length of time on the throne, doesn't Queen Elizabeth deserve a retirement?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a record length of", ensure you clearly specify the context in which the length is a record. For instance, specify whether it's a record for a particular event, period, or category.

Common error

Avoid using "a record length of" without providing the necessary context. Readers need to understand what the length is a record for; otherwise, the statement loses its impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a record length of" functions as a modifier, specifically quantifying a noun. It indicates the maximum or greatest extent to which something has been measured or has lasted, establishing a historical benchmark, as exemplified by Ludwig in its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a record length of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the greatest measurement or duration ever recorded in a specific context. As shown by Ludwig, its usage spans across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias, making it suitable for neutral register. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide context to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "longest duration on record" or "unprecedented duration" can be used to convey similar meanings. Remember to specify the category or event for which the length is a record to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longest duration on record

Focuses specifically on time and duration, highlighting the historical aspect of the length.

maximum recorded duration

Emphasizes the upper limit of a recorded time span.

peak recorded length

Highlights the highest measurement achieved and documented.

unprecedented duration

Stresses the novelty and unmatched nature of the length of time.

historical maximum length

Emphasizes the historical aspect and the status of being the greatest length in history.

all-time long duration

Suggests that the length has never been surpassed.

record-breaking duration

Highlights that previous records have been surpassed, focusing on time.

unsurpassed length of time

Indicates that the period is the longest ever and remains unmatched.

greatest recorded span

Stresses the extent or range of something, often time, as being the largest on record.

longest time ever recorded

Simply and directly states that the length of time is the greatest ever documented.

FAQs

How can I use "a record length of" in a sentence?

Use "a record length of" to describe something that has achieved the longest measurement or duration known for a specific category or context. For example, "The bridge spanned "a record length of" 3 kilometers".

What are some alternatives to "a record length of"?

Alternatives include "longest duration on record", "maximum recorded duration", or "unprecedented duration". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what the "record length" is a record for?

Yes, clarity is crucial. Always specify the category or event for which the length is a record to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, it's better to say "a record length of unemployment" than just "a record length".

What's the difference between "a record length of" and "a record time of"?

"A record length of" typically refers to a physical measurement or a duration, while "a record time of" specifically refers to the fastest or slowest time taken to complete something. For example, "a record length of rope" versus "a record time of 2 hours for the marathon".