at its length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its length" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward in certain contexts.
It can be used when discussing the extent or duration of something, particularly in a more formal or literary context. Example: "The novel explores the protagonist's journey at its length, revealing the complexities of human emotion."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

So if we look at its length, it's actually shorter than a single bond, but longer than a double bond.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This movie couldn't do $100 million at its length in that number of theaters.

The New York Times

If you peek at the recipe, you may frown at its length.

The New York Times

"I discovered that I could guess an essay's prescribed score just by looking at its length — even from across a room," he wrote.

The New Yorker

It also gives others the chance to see what you're up to, or to watch the sole waiter racing from table to table, then alighting at ours long enough to take our order and shake his head at its length.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Despite those appealing elements, "Northern Lights" felt overlong and meandering; at half its length, it might have been twice as effective.

The New York Times - Arts

You flip them open to release the leg to let it slide down and flip it closed to secure it at its new length.

WikiHow

It was also released at half its length as La Belle Noiseuse: Divertimento, proving that Rivette needed the length for extra depth.

The Guardian - Film

Each member in this interconnected setup aimed at maintaining its length and straightening itself out.

Visualization in Engineering

The piece would be much better at a quarter its length, but at least at the start this performance of it was aurally and visually enticing.

The New York Times - Arts

At its greatest length it extends southeasterly and northwesterly for 60 miles (100 km), and its maximum breadth is about 20 miles (32 km).

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at its length", consider whether a more precise or common phrase like "throughout its duration" or "across its entire length" would improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at its length" in informal writing where it might sound overly formal or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "for its duration" or "along its side".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its length" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the extent or duration of an action or state. Ludwig shows its use to describe the original state of a film or to define the physical dimensions of an object.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at its length" is grammatically acceptable but not always the most common or natural choice, according to Ludwig. It serves to specify the extent or duration of something, often found in news, scientific, and wiki sources. Ludwig AI suggests considering simpler or more precise alternatives, especially in informal contexts. It's crucial to weigh clarity against formality when deciding to use "at its length".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its full extent

Replaces "at its length" with a more formal and emphatic expression of completeness.

to its full duration

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, focusing on the entire period something lasts.

across its entire length

Highlights the spatial dimension, indicating something spans the whole distance.

throughout its duration

Similar to 'to its full duration', but suggests a continuous presence or action.

for its entire length

Simple substitution emphasizing the inclusiveness of the length.

covering its full length

Focuses on encompassing or extending over the complete measurement.

along the entirety of it

A more descriptive and slightly less formal way to indicate the whole length.

spanning its complete length

Highlights the act of stretching or reaching across the full distance.

over its whole length

Similar to 'across its entire length', but with a slightly broader sense of coverage.

reaching its maximum length

Focuses on the upper limit of the extent or duration.

FAQs

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

The phrase "at its length" indicates that something is being considered or examined across its entire extent or duration. For instance, "The film, "at its original length", was a critical success".

What are some alternatives to "at its length"?

Alternatives include phrases like "throughout its duration", "across its entire length", or "in its entirety", depending on whether you're referring to time or space.

Is "at its length" grammatically correct?

Yes, "at its length" is grammatically acceptable, but it's not always the most common or elegant choice. Consider if a more common phrase would be clearer.

When is it appropriate to use "at its length"?

It's appropriate in formal or literary contexts when you want to emphasize the extent or duration of something. In more casual settings, consider simpler alternatives.