at what length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at what length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the specific length or extent of something, often in contexts related to measurements or descriptions. Example: "At what length should I cut the fabric for the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We don't know what sort of stories will work, at what length, with what, if any, audience participation.

The Guardian

Turing: Eh? Oh, erm, also we know how often they communicate, at what length they communicate, and where they go and what they do next.

The Guardian - Tech

Facilitate both groups' discussions, noting which characters each talked about, at what length or depth and the emotion or judgment toward them.

The New York Times

Of course, My Anecdote, c'est moi, but we hosts have questions: At what length does an anecdote cease to be an anecdote and become a problem, verbalized or implied?

The New York Times

Tables of correlations were examined to find at what length of moving average correlations between Silviscan and USV measurements were maximised.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

He would have demanded, "What kind of wall, at what length, height, and width, of which materials, at what cost, built by whom, maintained at what expense, manned by how many troops, for how long, to what measurable goal?" Trump has a celebrity's instincts, Napoleon those of the artilleryman.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Here's a look at what lengths some foreign carriers go to for families on international flights.

The New York Times - Travel

If you look now at what lengths the German chancellor is going to with Turkey, then it is clear that she wants a change of direction.

The Guardian

"Look at what lengths the Koreans would go to — by using a guy with as little credibility as me, because there was nobody else there to support them," he says.

The New Yorker

Student B drops the object from that height while Student A monitors the spray from ground level, measures the length of the spray and records at what lengths each type of material (coffee, flour, sand or gravel) sprays, and records this information on a sheet of paper.

The New York Times

If you are not sure what the right length is, search the internet for information or ask the salesman at the music store what length your particular bass requires.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at what length", consider the context. It's most appropriate when inquiring about a specific measurement or dimension. For example, "At what length should the rope be cut for the best results?"

Common error

Avoid using "at what length" in informal conversations where simpler alternatives like "how long?" or "what size?" would be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at what length" primarily functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase. It introduces a question about a specific measurement or dimension. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from storytelling to scientific measurements, to determine the optimal or expected length of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at what length" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to inquire about specific measurements or dimensions. As determined by Ludwig, it functions primarily as an interrogative prepositional phrase, seeking precise information about size, duration, or extent. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its formality level leans toward neutral to formal. When using "at what length", consider the context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in informal settings. Remember to use this phrase when precise measurement or dimension is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to what extent

This alternative replaces "at what length" with a more abstract term for degree or scope.

how long

This option offers a shorter, more direct way to ask about the duration of something.

what duration

This phrase uses a more formal term for time span.

what the length of

This version inverts the structure for emphasis.

at what size

This alternative shifts the focus from length to overall size.

regarding the length

This option introduces a prepositional phrase to specify the topic.

concerning the length

This alternative provides a formal way to address the topic of length.

in terms of length

This phrase introduces the concept of length as a parameter or dimension.

with respect to length

This option adds a formal tone while discussing length.

how much in length

This phrase includes "how much" to emphasize the quantity of length.

FAQs

What does "at what length" mean?

The phrase "at what length" is used to inquire about the specific measurement or extent of something. It is commonly used to ask about the size, duration, or dimension of an object or a process.

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

You can use "at what length" to ask for a specific measurement. For instance, "At what length should I cut this piece of wood?" or "At what length does this type of vine typically grow?"

What are some alternatives to "at what length"?

Alternatives include "how long", "to what extent", or "what duration". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "at what length" formal or informal?

"At what length" is generally considered more formal. In casual conversation, "how long" or "what size" might be more appropriate.