at different lengths

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at different lengths" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing variations in size, duration, or extent among multiple items or elements. Example: "The ropes were cut at different lengths to accommodate the various needs of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The links between individuals have direction and travel at different lengths and speed.

Columbia University

A recent computational study identified four distinct domains of stability behaviour at different lengths in thin elastic cylindrical shells under global bending.

Thin-Walled Structures

He then had to videotape the behavior and to do experiments varying the incline and the surface the birds were running up, and clipping the feathers at different lengths.

The New York Times

Morphological analysis of these nanostructures at different lengths revealed that the inner profile of nanotubes evolved from cylindrical to conical with increasing deposition time.

Electrochimica Acta

Cut the stems at different lengths -- some as short as a few inches, depending on the holder -- and place them one by one, being sure to at least partially mask the holder's lip.

The New York Times

"Nobody had worked out how you cut up three full-length plays into 11 parts, which ended up at different lengths, and they found it difficult to sell," John Wyver, director of screen productions for the RSC said.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Because intracellular viscosity depends on different macromolecular crowding contributions and scales differently at different length scales (see sections 2.3.2 and 2.3.3), kinetic effects can have complex behaviors.

Chemical Reviews

However, ηI and ηII may shift differently with temperature because they represent different structures (at different length scales).

Colloid and Polymer Science

Significant differences are observed in contact angles and wetted areas captured at different length-scales.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

The toughening mechanisms are also analyzed at different length scales.

Carbon

Weckhuysen, B. M. Chemical imaging of spatial heterogeneities in catalytic solids at different length and time scales.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of items, ensure the context makes clear what is being measured "at different lengths". For example, "cut the ribbons at different lengths" clarifies you're talking about the length of the ribbons.

Common error

Avoid using "at different lengths" when referring to non-linear measurements or abstract quantities. Stick to physical or clearly quantifiable linear dimensions for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at different lengths" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to describe how something is arranged, measured, or constructed. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at different lengths" is a versatile and correct prepositional phrase used to describe variations in linear dimensions. It is frequently encountered in scientific, news, and general writing contexts. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context specifies what is being measured. Alternatives include "in varying lengths" or "of different sizes", but "at different lengths" is most appropriate when referring specifically to linear measurements. Remember to avoid using it for non-linear or abstract quantities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of differing sizes

Replaces "lengths" with "sizes" indicating the same variation concept.

with different heights

Specifically refers to vertical measurement differences.

in varying dimensions

Focuses on dimensional variations rather than specifically length.

in unequal segments

Describes differences when something is split or divided.

at irregular distances

Suggests non-uniform spacing, which can relate to varying lengths between points.

in diverse extents

Emphasizes the range of variation more broadly, not limited to length.

at non-uniform ranges

Indicates that the ranges are not the same.

in assorted measures

Highlights the diversity of measurements without specifying what is measured.

with variable durations

Shifts the focus to time-based measurements instead of spatial length.

at staggered intervals

Implies differences in spacing or temporal separation, rather than physical length.

FAQs

How can I use "at different lengths" in a sentence?

You can use "at different lengths" to describe objects or segments that vary in their linear dimension. For example, "The curtains were hung "at different lengths" to create a layered effect".

What's a simple way to rephrase "at different lengths"?

You can rephrase "at different lengths" using alternatives such as "in varying lengths" or "of different sizes", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at different lengths" or "with different lengths"?

Both "at different lengths" and "with different lengths" are acceptable. "At different lengths" often describes the state or arrangement of objects, while "with different lengths" describes a characteristic. For example, "The pencils are "at different lengths"" vs. "a set of ropes "with different lengths"".

When should I use "at different lengths" instead of "at different sizes"?

"At different lengths" is appropriate when referring specifically to linear measurements. If you're referring to overall dimensions or volume, use "at different sizes". For instance, use "lengths" when referring to the height of bookshelves, but "sizes" when discussing T-shirts.