a significant length of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant length of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a considerable amount of time, distance, or extent in various contexts. Example: "The project took a significant length of time to complete, far longer than we initially anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Coach Tom Renney said he believed Straka would be out a significant length of time.

The New York Times - Sports

The action will affect the company's online services and its Friday, Saturday and Sunday newspapers, a significant length of time for a staff walkout.

The Guardian

However, a significant length of time is needed to establish iPS cells, and the efficiency of generating T cells from iPS cells is still not high.

Nature

Players have come and players have gone but it is difficult to think of anyone — with the possible exception of Andy Henderson — who has made the position his own for a significant length of time.

The Times

The report called on the state to find more permanent solutions, "where potentially hazardous infrastructure issues are likely to remain unaddressed for a significant length of time".

The New York Times

This situation may change if you are staying in any one country for a significant length of time, seeking employment, or undertaking studies there.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Breastfeeding called a "secret weapon to save billions of dollars" We are left with a situation where only affluent women, or the relatively small number of women whose employers voluntarily offer paid leave, can afford to stay home with a newborn for any significant length of time.

Stanford University

While I don't wish an event like this on an executive, if you're a senior leader for any significant length of time, you will have to deal with this type of situation at some point.

Forbes

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03949.015 In particular, these experiments demonstrate that pole-to-pole oscillations are stable (i.e., no other oscillation mode occurs in those compartments) over a significant length range of 15 µm–35 µm.

eLife

Baseline characteristics were significantly different for admitting APACHEII score, and more patients in the CI group were admitted as surgical ICU patients and had a significant longer length of stay prior to CVVH initiation in the CI group (Table 1).

Annals of Intensive Care

Baseline characteristics were significantly different for admitting APACHEII score, and more patients in the CI group were admitted as surgical ICU patients and had a significant longer length of stay prior to CVVH initiation in the CI group (Table  1).

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant length of", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to time, distance, or another measurable extent. Be precise in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant length of" when a more specific measurement is possible. Instead of saying "the wait was a significant length of time", provide a concrete duration, such as "the wait was three hours."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant length of" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a notable duration, distance, or extent. As shown by Ludwig, it adds emphasis to the amount being described.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

56%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a significant length of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize a notable duration, distance, or extent. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse fields, including science, news, and general writing. When using the phrase, it's advisable to be precise and consider whether a more specific measurement could enhance clarity. Remember that alternatives like "a considerable duration of" or "an extensive amount of" might serve equally well, depending on the desired nuance. While versatile, using concrete measurements is crucial when precision is needed, avoiding overly vague expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable duration of

Emphasizes time, suggesting a notable period.

an extensive amount of

Highlights the quantity or size involved.

a substantial period of time

Focuses on a long duration with emphasis on its importance.

a prolonged period of

Stresses the extended nature of the time involved.

a notable distance of

Highlights that the space involved is worthy of attention.

an appreciable extent of

Indicates that the degree or scope is easily perceived.

a marked duration of

Emphasizes a noticeable passage of time.

a considerable stretch of

Focuses on the extent and continuity.

a sizeable duration of

Denotes a large or considerable period.

a protracted period of

Highlights a period that is extended or unnecessarily long.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant length of" to describe a notable amount of time, distance, or extent. For example, "The project required a significant length of time to complete", or "The road covers a significant length of the coastline".

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

You can use alternatives like "a considerable duration of", "an extensive amount of", or "a substantial period of time" depending on the context.

When is it better to use a precise measurement instead of "a significant length of"?

Using a precise measurement is better when accuracy is important or when the specific duration, distance, or extent is known. For example, instead of saying "the pipe was a significant length of", specify "the pipe was 10 meters long".

What's the difference between "a significant length of" and "a considerable length of"?

"A significant length of" and "a considerable length of" are very similar in meaning. "Significant" implies importance or noteworthiness, while "considerable" suggests a large or substantial amount. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.