different in length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different in length" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe objects, items, or entities that vary in their physical or metaphorical length. Example: "The ropes were different in length, making it challenging to tie them together evenly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The five histone mRNA leader sequences are different in length and primary structure.

Stanford University

Results: We find that microsatellite alleles of any given length are more likely to mutate when their homologue is unusually different in length.

Harvard University

The first part of "Hunger" (the film is divided into three sections, each quite different in length and mood) deals with the "blanket protest," as the no-wash, no-clothes phase of resistance was known.

The New York Times

For every cone of rays from an axial object point meeting the lens, there is a cone of rays that converges to form an image point, the cone being different in length according to the diameter of the circular zone.

Britannica

While they are of course very different — in length, style, and function — they do share a common purpose: to unite two groups that were locked in a lethal struggle by reminding them of all that they shared.

University of California, Berkeley

We investigated the structure activity relationship of KNT-127 (opioid δ agonist) derivatives with various 17-substituents which are different in length and size.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

That's because their properties are so different, in both length and timescales.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The two interventions are different in both length and content.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Two triple fusions in Table  2 were merely different in the length of target products.

Biological Procedures Online

However, we know that for different species and different chromosomes, the genome sequences are quite different in total length.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The β-barrels are different in their lengths and widths which make their elliptical shapes vary.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing lengths, specify the units of measurement to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "the ropes are different in length", specify "the ropes are different in length: one is 10 meters and the other is 15 meters".

Common error

While "different from" is grammatically correct for general comparisons, when referring to a specific attribute like length, using "different in length" is more precise. Avoid using "different than" as it's often considered less formal or incorrect in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different in length" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun possesses varying measurements. It describes a specific attribute of an object or set of objects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Academia

20%

News & Media

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different in length" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote variations in the linear dimensions of objects or entities. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is commonly used across various fields, particularly in science and academia, for descriptive and comparative purposes. While alternative phrases such as "varied in length" or "unequal in length" can be used, "different in length" offers a clear and concise way to specify this particular attribute. It's crucial to specify the units of measurement to provide greater clarity and avoid ambiguity. The register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for both formal and informal writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varied in length

Emphasizes the presence of variations in length across multiple items or instances.

unequal in length

Focuses on the lack of equality in length between two or more items.

divergent in length

Highlights the direction of difference, suggesting a separation or moving apart in terms of length.

dissimilar in length

Stresses the general lack of resemblance or likeness in length.

not uniform in length

Indicates a lack of consistency or regularity in length.

varying in dimension

Suggests differences exist with the length, as one of the possible dimensions of something.

distinct in measurement

Highlights differences when measurement is the point of view.

contrasting in size

Uses a general term to compare the overall dimensions.

discrepant in span

Implies an inconsistency or disagreement in the extent from one end to the other.

asymmetrical in length

Highlights a lack of symmetry or balance in length.

FAQs

How can I use "different in length" in a sentence?

You can use "different in length" to describe objects that vary in their measurement along one dimension. For example, "The two pieces of wood were "different in length", so I had to cut one to match the other."

What's a more formal alternative to "different in length"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "varied in length" or "exhibited differences in length". For example, "The samples "varied in length", indicating potential genetic mutations."

Is it correct to say "different than length" instead of "different in length"?

While "different than" is sometimes used, "different in length" is generally preferred when specifically referring to length as the differing attribute. "Different from" can also be used, but "different in length" is more precise.

What is the difference between "different in length" and "different lengths"?

"Different in length" describes individual items within a set that vary in their linear dimension, while "different lengths" refers to multiple instances of a measurement that are not the same. For example, "The ropes were "different in length"," versus "We needed to cut the wood to "different lengths"."