at great length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at great length" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that an activity or task has been discussed, performed, or experienced for a long period of time. For example, you can say, "We discussed the project at great length in the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Clears throat at great length).

The New York Times - Books

And at great length.

The Guardian - Sport

Versace cogitated at great length.

The New York Times

"Then we discussed it at great length".

The New York Times

Inevitably, he spoke at great length.

The New York Times

Chelsea pensioners are interviewed at great length.

The Guardian

The two leaders discussed strategic defense at great length.

The New York Times

Whereas denialism explains – at great length – post-denialism asserts.

The Guardian

He talked about the 1981 strike at great length".

The New York Times - Sports

Americans love to explain their ingredients at great length.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have been doing so at great length on BBC4.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at great length" when you want to emphasize not only the duration of a discussion or activity but also its thoroughness and detail. It suggests a comprehensive exploration of a topic.

Common error

Avoid using "at great length" in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "for a long time" or "in detail" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a formal tone and might sound pretentious in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at great length" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that the action is carried out thoroughly and for a considerable duration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverbial phrase "at great length" signifies that something is done or discussed thoroughly and for a considerable time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts, the phrase lends a neutral-to-formal tone to writing. When using "at great length", ensure it aligns with the context's formality; simpler alternatives like "extensively" or "in detail" might be more fitting for casual settings. Remember to leverage "at great length" when you want to highlight both duration and depth in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at length

Shorter version of the original phrase with the same meaning.

at considerable length

Similar meaning, adds a degree of formality.

extensively

Single-word adverb, more concise but lacks the emphasis on duration.

exhaustively

Emphasizes a comprehensive and complete treatment of a subject.

in detail

Focuses on the level of detail provided, rather than the time spent.

in depth

Focuses on the level of analysis, rather than the time spent.

comprehensively

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the discussion or analysis.

thoroughly

Emphasizes completeness and attention to detail.

for a long time

Focuses on duration, less emphasis on the thoroughness of the action.

for an extended period

Emphasizes the duration of the activity.

FAQs

How can I use "at great length" in a sentence?

You can use "at great length" to describe something discussed or done thoroughly and for an extended period, such as "The committee discussed the proposal "at great length" before reaching a decision".

What are some alternatives to saying "at great length"?

Alternatives include "extensively", "in detail", or "thoroughly" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "at length" or "at great length"?

"At length" and "at great length" are similar, but "at great length" emphasizes a more considerable duration or detail. "At length" is generally considered more concise, while "at great length" adds emphasis.

Can "at great length" be used to describe physical measurements?

No, "at great length" is typically used to describe discussions, explanations, or other activities that involve time and detail. Use "at great distance" or similar phrases when referring to physical measurements.