change in length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "change in length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the alteration or variation in the size or dimension of an object or material. Example: "The change in length of the metal rod was measured after it was heated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the case of elongation, or lengthwise compression, the normal strain is equal to the change in length divided by the original length.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mathematically, Hooke's law states that the applied force F equals a constant k times the displacement or change in length x, or F = kx.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stretch receptors are sensitive to the velocity of the movement of the muscle and the change in length of the muscle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When a metal rod is lightly loaded, the strain (measured by the change in length divided by the original length) is proportional to the stress (the load per unit of cross-sectional area).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Strain is the change in length divided by the original length.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Figure 8 shows that for freeze thaw cycles, all specimens observed average normalized change in length within ± 0.6, except for the control specimen which observed a maximum change in length of 1.3 at the 300th cycle only.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

The planning is based on the minimisation of ligament change in length and of bone stock to be removed.

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

A change in length is accomplished by biasing PIN diodes embedded in the structure of the antenna.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The 22 chromosomes, ranging from ca. 1.1 to 1.8 μm long, show a gradual change in length.

Botanical Studies

There was a strong and positive correlation between the number of calls and the change in length of day across the year (rs=0.76, N=12, P<0.01).

Journal of Affective Disorders

Finally, grey Taguchi method is adopted to obtain optimum level of process parameters to minimize percentage change in length, width and thickness simultaneously.

Materials & Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technical measurements, provide specific units (e.g., millimeters, inches) to clarify the magnitude of the "change in length".

Common error

Ensure the context clarifies whether the "change in length" is an absolute value or a percentage. If it's a percentage, explicitly state "percentage change in length" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "change in length" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an alteration in the linear dimension of something. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing physical phenomena and experimental results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

News & Media

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "change in length" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term, particularly within scientific and technical fields. Ludwig confirms its validity. Its primary function is to describe an alteration in the linear dimension of an object. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying units and indicating whether the change is absolute or a percentage. While "change in length" is most frequently found in scientific publications and encyclopedias, alternative phrasings such as "length variation" or "dimensional alteration" can be considered depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

variation in length

A more formal way of saying "change in length".

length variation

This term is a more concise way to refer to differences in length.

modification of length

Emphasizes the act of modifying the length.

dimensional alteration

This phrase is broader, encompassing changes in any dimension, but can include length.

elongation

Specifically refers to an increase in length.

length modification

Implies an intentional adjustment to the length.

length difference

Highlights the difference between two lengths rather than the process of changing.

altered length

Focuses on the state of the length after a change has occurred.

size adjustment

A more general term for modifying size, but applicable when only length is changing.

length fluctuation

Suggests irregular or unsteady changes in length.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "change in length" in a sentence?

The phrase "change in length" is typically used to describe the difference between the initial and final lengths of an object or material. For example: "The "change in length" of the wire was significant after heating."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "change in length"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "length variation", "dimensional alteration", or "elongation" (if the length increases).

Is it better to say "change of length" or "change in length"?

"Change in length" is the more common and natural-sounding phrase in English. "Change of length" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

How is "change in length" related to the concept of strain in mechanics?

In mechanics, strain is often defined as the "change in length" divided by the original length. This provides a dimensionless measure of deformation.