at some length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at some length" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is discussed or explained in detail or for a considerable amount of time. Example: "The author elaborated on the topic at some length, providing numerous examples and insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At some length.

The Guardian

"At some length," I said.

The New York Times

Tells about him, at some length.

The New Yorker

He goes on at some length.

The New Yorker

The scene runs at some length.

The Guardian - Film

Herzog demurred, politely, at some length.

The New Yorker

The segment went on at some length.

The New York Times - Magazine

I have written at some length on both.

The Guardian - Arts

This continues at some length demonstrating gross inefficiency.

The New Yorker

It's worth unpacking at some length, for two reasons.

The New York Times

Unelected Labour Peers have had their say at some length.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at some length" when you want to emphasize that a topic was discussed with significant detail and duration. It is suitable for formal writing and conveys thoroughness.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "at some length" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "for a while" or "in detail" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at some length" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It describes that something is done with considerable detail and duration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at some length" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something is discussed or explained with considerable detail and for a significant amount of time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal settings. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, followed by academic contexts. Alternatives include "in detail", "extensively", and "thoroughly", each with slightly different nuances. The phrase is a useful tool for emphasizing the depth and duration of a discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at length

Shorter version of the original phrase, implying duration.

at great length

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the duration of the discussion.

at considerable length

Similar in meaning, stressing the significant duration.

in detail

Focuses on the thoroughness of the explanation, omitting the time aspect.

extensively

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of the discussion or coverage.

in depth

Highlights the level of detail and analysis provided.

thoroughly

Highlights the completeness and exhaustiveness of the treatment.

comprehensively

Indicates a complete and inclusive treatment of the subject.

elaborately

Suggests a detailed and ornate explanation.

fully

Indicates a complete and exhaustive treatment of the topic.

FAQs

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

Use "at some length" to indicate that a topic was discussed or explained in detail and for a considerable amount of time. For example, "The author elaborated on the topic "at some length", providing numerous examples and insights."

What are some alternatives to "at some length"?

You can use alternatives such as "in detail", "extensively", or "thoroughly" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "at length" or "at some length"?

"At length" and "at some length" are very similar. "At length" is more concise and can be used interchangeably in most contexts. The addition of "some" slightly softens the emphasis on duration.

What's the difference between "in detail" and "at some length"?

"In detail" focuses on the thoroughness of the explanation, whereas "at some length" emphasizes both the thoroughness and the duration of the discussion. They are often interchangeable, but "at some length" specifically highlights the time spent on the topic.