an overall length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overall length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the total measurement of something from one end to the other, often in contexts like construction, design, or specifications. Example: "The specifications require an overall length of 10 feet for the new table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sporting a six-spreader rig and an overall length of 118 feet, the gleaming, 115-ton Extra Beat was easily the queen of the cargo deck.

The New York Times - Sports

With an overall length of 164.5 inches, the new TT is 5.4 inches longer, but the biggest change cannot be seen.

The New York Times

With an overall length of 188.5 inches, the MDX is about 8 inches longer than the RX 300 and 4.8 inches wider.

The New York Times

If that's not enough, you can opt for the Maybach 62, the "stretch" version, with an overall length of 6.2 meters, or more than 20 feet.

The New York Times

With an overall length of 216 inches, it is 63 inches longer than that original '91 Wrangler.

The New York Times

With an overall length of 178.5 inches, the sedan is about 3.5 inches longer than the old model.

The New York Times

The Mark 4 model had an overall length of 42.9 inches (109 cm), with a 22.25-inch 22.25-inchbarrel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With an overall length of less than 12 feet on a wheelbase of 97.1 inches, the Mini Cooper is 23 inches shorter than a Honda Civic Si and 18 inches shorter than the New Beetle.

The New York Times

The Oscar II-class attack submarine, designed during the cold war to assault American aircraft carrier battle groups and prevent NATO from being reinforced by convoys from the United States, has an overall length of 490 feet.

The New York Times

With an overall length of 197.1 inches, the 2011 Explorer is 3.7 inches longer than the 2010 model; the wheelbase is about an inch shorter.

The New York Times

Frame structure has an overall length of 10 ms, comprising 15 time-slots.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical specifications or dimensions, always include the units of measurement (e.g., inches, meters, feet) along with the "overall length" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating just the numerical value for the "overall length" without specifying the unit of measurement. Always include units like inches, feet, or meters to provide complete and understandable information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overall length" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a modifier or complement, providing specific dimensional information about a subject. Ludwig's analysis confirms its proper grammatical usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an overall length" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to specify the total dimension of an object from one end to the other. Ludwig confirms its versatile use across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, wikis, and scientific publications. While interchangeable with terms like "total length" and "entire length", remember to always include the unit of measurement to ensure clarity. When writing, avoid simply stating a numerical value without this context. Based on the evidence, "an overall length" is a reliable and frequently used phrase for precise dimensional descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total length

Replaces "overall" with "total", emphasizing the sum of all parts of the length.

entire length

Substitutes "overall" with "entire", highlighting the completeness of the length.

complete length

Similar to "entire length", focusing on the comprehensive aspect of the measurement.

full length

Emphasizes that the length is not shortened or partial.

end-to-end length

Highlights the measurement from one extremity to the other.

total span

Uses "span" instead of "length", implying a range or extent.

maximum length

Focuses on the greatest possible length.

greatest length

Similar to "maximum length", emphasizing the superlative extent.

outermost length

Indicates the length measured at the outermost points.

end to end measurement

Rewords the phrase to highlight the process of measuring from one end to the other.

FAQs

How is "an overall length" typically used in technical writing?

In technical writing, "an overall length" is used to specify the total dimension of an object from one end to the other. It's often included in specifications, drawings, and technical descriptions to provide a clear understanding of the object's size.

What are some alternative phrases for "an overall length"?

Alternatives include "total length", "entire length", or "complete length". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When should I use "an overall length" versus "a length"?

"An overall length" specifies the entire extent of an object from end to end. "A length" can refer to a segment or component of a larger object. Using "an overall length" clarifies that you're referring to the total dimension.

What kind of objects is it common to specify "an overall length" for?

It is common to specify "an overall length" for objects such as vehicles, buildings, bridges, machine parts, tools, and any manufactured item where knowing the total extent is important for design, assembly, or usage. For example: "The car has "an overall length" of 15 feet."