according to length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing measurements, dimensions, or categorizing items based on their size or length. Example: "The items will be sorted according to length, with the longest ones placed at the top."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Predictors of treatment did not change when the cohort was dichotomized according to length of stay.

Harvard University

The new guidelines replace the previous policy of automatic pay increases according to length of service.

The Guardian

Compensation varies according to length of flight and delay in getting to your destination.

The New York Times

Patients were matched according to length of follow-up, age, sex, prosthetic design, and surgeon.

The Journal of Arthroplasty

Each work is priced separately according to length; the sample disc would cost £6.85 plus postage, with downloads fractionally cheaper.

The Guardian - Music

Under the agreement, the 41 Rockettes will be bought out for $2 million, distributed according to length of service.

The New York Times - Arts

There are four classes of boats, handicapped according to length, beam, draft, displacement, sail area, type of rig.

The New Yorker

It cannot be right that police officers on the same rank are paid according to length of service.

Independent

Hair is sold according to length, usually starting at 8 inches and going as long as 32 inches, which can sell for around $100 retail.

The New York Times

Today, officers tend to be paid according to length of service or seniority, not in relation to skills, competence and performance.

The Guardian

Interruptions in dosing can interrupt drug action, but the consequences vary according to length of interruption, drug, drug formulation, length of the patient's prior exposure to the drug, and the disease being treated.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "according to length", ensure it's clear what is being categorized or measured by length. For example, "Files are sorted according to length" is more effective than "Files are sorted".

Common error

Avoid using "according to length" without specifying the units or scale. Saying "items varied according to length" lacks clarity. Instead, specify: "items varied according to length in centimeters".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to length" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate that something is determined or categorized based on the measurement of length. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

33%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "according to length" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is determined or categorized based on its length. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples, shows that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in scientific, news media, and academic contexts. While primarily neutral in tone, it leans toward formal usage. When using "according to length", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being measured and the units involved for maximum clarity. Consider alternatives like "based on length" or "depending on length" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on length

Directly indicates that length is the determining factor.

depending on length

Emphasizes that something varies as length changes.

in proportion to length

Highlights a direct relationship where one increases with the other.

relative to length

Suggests a comparison or scaling based on length.

as a function of length

More formal, indicating a mathematical or functional relationship.

in terms of length

Focuses on length as the defining characteristic.

by length

A more concise way to specify length as the sorting criterion.

with respect to length

Similar to 'relative to', emphasizing a comparison.

as per length

A more formal phrasing meaning 'according to'.

commensurate with length

Suggests a proportional or corresponding relationship in scale or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "according to length" in a sentence?

You can use "according to length" to describe how items are sorted, classified, or compensated based on their length. For example, "Hair is sold "according to length", usually starting at 8 inches".

What's the difference between "according to length" and "based on length"?

"According to length" and "based on length" are often interchangeable, but "based on length" can imply a more direct and fundamental relationship, whereas "according to length" can also refer to an established rule or system.

What can I say instead of "according to length"?

Alternatives include "depending on length", "relative to length", or "in proportion to length", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "regarding to length" instead of "according to length"?

While "regarding" and "according" can sometimes be synonymous, "regarding to length" is not a standard or idiomatic way to express that something is determined by length. "According to length" or "based on length" are better choices.