be a lengthy process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a lengthy process" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a task or situation that requires a significant amount of time to complete. Example: "The approval of the project will be a lengthy process, involving multiple reviews and assessments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recovering from tuberculosis can be a lengthy process.

Los Angeles Times

"It could be a lengthy process".

The New York Times

It will be a lengthy process.

The Guardian - Sport

Consequently, reconciliation will be a lengthy process.

The Guardian

But it could be a lengthy process.

The New York Times

It can be a lengthy process".

The New York Times - Health

She is appealing, but it will be a lengthy process.

The Guardian

Denials can be appealed, which could be a lengthy process.

The New York Times

Making a cheese language, like making cheese, can be a lengthy process.

The Guardian

A valuation of Jackson's estate is likely to be a lengthy process.

The Guardian - Music

Obtaining this consent may be a lengthy process, requiring respect, tact and honesty.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a lengthy process", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific activity or event requires a significant amount of time. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "be a lengthy process" as a vague statement. Instead, specify why the process is lengthy and what factors contribute to its duration. This makes your writing more informative and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a lengthy process" functions as a predicate in a sentence. It describes a state or condition, indicating that a particular activity or event requires a significant amount of time to complete. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a lengthy process" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe tasks or situations that require a significant amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Formal & Business settings. When employing this phrase, it's beneficial to provide context about why a process is lengthy to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "take a long time" and "be time-consuming" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. In summary, "be a lengthy process" serves as a versatile tool for setting expectations about duration in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a long time

Focuses on the duration required, simpler phrasing.

be time-consuming

Emphasizes the amount of time something requires.

be a protracted affair

More formal and emphasizes the drawn-out nature.

extend over a considerable period

Highlights the duration and significance of the time involved.

require a significant time investment

Focuses on the investment of time needed.

be a marathon

Figurative, suggesting endurance is needed.

entail a drawn-out procedure

Stresses the procedural and extended aspect.

go on for quite some time

Informal, indicating a long duration.

drag on

Implies the process is tediously long.

be a long haul

Suggests a sustained effort over a long time.

FAQs

How can I use "be a lengthy process" in a sentence?

You can use "be a lengthy process" to describe tasks or situations that require a significant amount of time. For example, "The legal proceedings will be a lengthy process" or "Recovering from the injury might be a lengthy process".

What can I say instead of "be a lengthy process"?

You can use alternatives like "take a long time", "be time-consuming", or "be a protracted affair" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be a lengthy process" or "is a lengthy process"?

Both are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Be a lengthy process" is used in conditional or future scenarios (e.g., "It will be a lengthy process"), while "is a lengthy process" describes a current state (e.g., "The investigation is a lengthy process").

What's the difference between "be a lengthy process" and "become a lengthy process"?

"Be a lengthy process" describes the inherent nature of something requiring considerable time. "Become a lengthy process" ("become a lengthy process") suggests that a process has evolved or transformed into one requiring more time than initially anticipated.