discussing at length

USAGE SUMMARY

"discussing at length" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about when someone spends a lot of time talking about a particular topic. For example: "We spent the evening discussing at length the pros and cons of different vacation destinations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He provides startling diagrams of female anatomy, as it was imagined at the time, before discussing at length many horrifying remedies for sterility and impotence.

The Economist

These are matters he avoids discussing at length with the press, and, as we got into the details, he joked that it might be less painful if I would "just twiddle the toes".

The New Yorker

To highlight the one that would have had me rage-quitting the novel if I weren't duty-bound to finish it, Nakata is forever describing himself as "completely empty" and claiming to have no memory, and then - generally within the same paragraph - discussing at length the things he remembers (such as Johnnie Walker killing cats) and how they made him feel (upset).

The Guardian - Books

Put the reader at ease by discussing at length the small details of the day you met the scientist.

Science Magazine

Studying accounting and not discussing at length the challenges and opportunities of valuing the intangibles would be absurd.

Huffington Post

I dislike how hate radio, political partisans, and manipulated tantrum-throwers have spread lies and helped pervert the public discourse about a subject we all desperately need to be discussing at length.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This will be discussed, at length.

Independent

(It was, duly, hated and discussed at length everywhere).

The Guardian - Opinion

Berman's role was never discussed at length, Tharp said.

The New Yorker

Problems are also discussed at length in the forums.

The Guardian - Tech

Security issues regarding the facade were discussed at length.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context; while "discussing at length" is suitable for many situations, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "analyzing exhaustively" or "deliberating at length".

Common error

Avoid using "discussing at length" passively (e.g., "it was discussing at length"). Instead, focus on who is doing the discussing to make the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discussing at length" functions as a verbal phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a detailed and thorough examination of a subject through conversation or discourse. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it describes the manner of discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discussing at length" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a detailed and thorough conversation or examination of a topic. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media and science contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While "discussing at length" is an appropriate phrase in many scenarios, remember to think about whether a more precise or sophisticated alternative would better fit the writing style, and to avoid overuse of the passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talking extensively about

Emphasizes the act of speaking at length rather than a formal discussion.

examining in detail

Implies a closer, more analytical inspection as part of the discussion.

deliberating at length

Focuses on careful and prolonged consideration before a decision.

elaborating extensively

Stresses the act of adding more details to the discussion.

reviewing in detail

Focuses on a structured assessment rather than a conversational exchange.

exploring thoroughly

Suggests an investigative approach to the discussion.

detailing comprehensively

Highlights the completeness of the information provided during the discussion.

analyzing exhaustively

Emphasizes the depth and completeness of the analytical process.

expounding upon

Suggests a formal and elaborate explanation of the topic.

ventilating thoroughly

Focuses on the airing and discussing of issues rather than an in-depth analysis.

FAQs

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

You can use "discussing at length" to indicate a detailed and thorough conversation, such as: "The committee spent hours "discussing at length" the proposed budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to "discussing at length"?

Alternatives include "talking extensively about", "examining in detail", or "analyzing exhaustively". Choose the alternative that best fits the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to use "discussing at length" or "discussing in detail"?

"Discussing at length" emphasizes the duration and thoroughness of the conversation, whereas "discussing in detail" focuses on the level of specificity covered. The better choice depends on whether you want to highlight the time spent or the depth of the discussion.

Can "discussing at length" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "discussing at length" can be used in formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or sophisticated alternative, such as "deliberating at length" or "expounding upon", might be more appropriate for the specific context.