at the length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the length" is not commonly used in written English and may be considered awkward or incorrect in most contexts.
It can be used in literary or formal contexts to indicate a lengthy discussion or explanation, but it is rare and may confuse readers. Example: "The author elaborated at the length of the historical events that shaped the nation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"At the length, truth will out".

The New York Times

She stared at the length of me.

The New Yorker

'I do cringe at the length of the hair.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This put my hair at the length it used to be, midback," she said.

The New York Times - Health

"Are you crazy?" she asked him, looking at the length of the queue.

The Guardian

Coombs described shock and sadness at the length of the sentence, which he depicted as unfair.

The Guardian

The strategy failed, although many were surprised at the length of the jail sentence.

The Guardian

In each photograph, Mirones was looking at the length of the residual limb.

The New Yorker

It should also persuade the B.C.C.I. to look again at the length of test series.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are disappointed at the length of the suspension, especially because Rob has already missed several games.

The Guardian - Sport

He noted, too, that his fellow conservatives have grown frustrated at the length of the war and its rocky course.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using established phrases like "at great length" or "in detail" for clarity and wider acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "at the length" in formal writing or when aiming for clarity, as it may sound awkward or be misinterpreted. Opt for more common alternatives to ensure your message is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the length" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often attempting to modify a verb or noun by indicating a measurement, duration, or extent. However, Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is not commonly used in written English and may be considered awkward in most contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

26%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at the length" appears in various sources and contexts, it's not considered standard English. Ludwig AI identifies it as awkward or incorrect in most scenarios. When aiming for clarity and wider acceptance, substitute it with alternatives like "at great length" or "in detail". The sources where the phrase is used are mostly news, media, science and wikis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in terms of its length

Directly addresses the linear measurement or duration of an object or event.

at great length

Replaces "at the length" to emphasize a detailed or prolonged discussion.

in detail

Focuses on providing comprehensive information about something, similar to a lengthy explanation.

regarding the duration

Specifically refers to the length of time that something lasts.

considering its size

Highlights a comparative aspect related to the physical dimension.

given its extent

Focuses on the scope or range of something.

with regard to the waiting time

Emphasizes the time spent waiting, as opposed to other attributes.

concerning the delay

Highlights the fact that the action or event has been postponed

regarding the hair's styling

Specifies the way in which hair is arranged or presented

concerning the test series

Emphasizes the connection with cricket tests

FAQs

How can I use "at great length" instead of "at the length"?

Use "at great length" to describe something discussed in a detailed or prolonged manner. For example: "The author elaborated at great length on the historical events."

Is "at the length" grammatically correct?

While "at the length" appears in some publications, it is generally considered less conventional than alternatives such as "in detail" or "at great length". Consider your audience and the context when choosing your words.

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

Using "at the length" might be considered in specific contexts (e.g. "look at the length of the queue") where you're literally referring to measuring a physical dimension. However, there are usually clearer alternatives.

What's the difference between "at the length" and "regarding the duration"?

"At the length" is less common and can sound awkward, whereas "regarding the duration" is a clearer way to refer to the period of time something lasts.