be of different lengths

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be of different lengths" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing objects, items, or elements that vary in size or measurement. Example: "The ropes used in the project need to be of different lengths to accommodate various needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This was made possible by designing the PCR products to be of different lengths and no interference was observed between products differing in size by only six nucleotides.

Analytical Biochemistry

It involves several pieces of rope that appear to be of different lengths, then shift tantalizingly into three identical pieces.

The New York Times

The two branches that result may be equal in length or may be of different lengths.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The corolla has a long tube, and the five stamens are frequently inserted at different levels in the tube, or they may be of different lengths.

Britannica

Time warping is necessary, because the template and current window can be of different lengths.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

For if one had an odd number of feet, it would walk awkardly or the feet would have to be of different lengths (De incessuanimalium 9).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Furthermore, instructions can all be of different length.

Stanford University

They may be of different length, and their starting and ending points do not coincide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is useful to compare this situation with the perception of an optical illusion such as the Müller-Lyer illusion in which two lines of equal length appear to be of different length.

SEP

Depending on the specific choice of the threshold, the final Pho4p target list is going to be of different length.

Plosone

Both variant and invariant repeats are reported, the former defined as a tandem repeat from a reference sequence that is found in a target sequence by VNTRfinder and observed to be of different length.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or segments, clarify the units of measurement (e.g., millimeters, inches) to provide precise and understandable information when using "be of different lengths".

Common error

Avoid using "be of different lengths" when referring to abstract concepts that don't have a physical length, such as time periods or emotional states. Use alternative expressions like "vary in duration" or "have different intensities" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be of different lengths" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. It is used to indicate that multiple objects or segments possess varying linear dimensions. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

Encyclopedias

12%

News & Media

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be of different lengths" is a versatile descriptive phrase commonly used to indicate variations in the linear dimensions of objects or segments. It is grammatically correct and finds frequent application in scientific, encyclopedic, and news contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that its communicative purpose centers on conveying information about size diversity. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid misusing it for abstract concepts. Remember to be precise in your writing and use this phrase effectively to clarify descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vary in length

Focuses on the action of varying, rather than the state of being different.

have varying lengths

Emphasizes the possession of different lengths.

differ in length

Highlights the difference as the primary characteristic.

are unequal in length

Directly states the lack of equality in length.

exhibit length variations

More formal; emphasizes the presence of variations.

present a range of lengths

Indicates a spectrum or variety of lengths.

come in diverse lengths

Suggests a variety in length as a feature.

show differences in length

Highlights the observable differences in length.

are not uniform in length

More formal; stresses the lack of uniformity.

have disparate lengths

Emphasizes a significant difference in lengths.

FAQs

How can I use "be of different lengths" in a sentence?

You can use "be of different lengths" to describe objects or segments that vary in their linear dimension. For example: "The ropes need to "be of different lengths" for the project."

What can I say instead of "be of different lengths"?

You can use alternatives like "vary in length", "have varying lengths", or "differ in length" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "be of different lengths" or "are different lengths"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""be of different lengths"" is generally used to describe a state or characteristic, while "are different lengths" is a more direct statement of fact.

What's the difference between "be of different lengths" and "have different lengths"?

"Be of different lengths" often describes an inherent property, while "have different lengths" implies possession of varying lengths. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.