exceptionally long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptionally long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significantly longer than what is typical or expected. Example: "The meeting was exceptionally long, lasting over three hours without a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

For exceptionally long spans, the pivot, or swing bridge, which turns on a table, is suitable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An exceptionally long interglacial ahead?

The New York Times

Future climatic changes: Are we entering an exceptionally long interglacial?

The New York Times

They have exceptionally long wings and chunky, powerful bodies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These freshwater turtles have exceptionally long and straight claws.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its standout feature is an exceptionally long finish.

The New York Times

The boom is certainly exceptionally long and lucrative.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Among American presidents, some have been exceptionally long-lived.

The New York Times - Health

There, he discovers a lost tribe of "dreamers" – exceptionally long-lived and acutely senile individuals.

The Guardian - Books

This species is exceptionally long-lived, so one note can reproduce for many generations.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The first study suggested that these patients might be exceptionally long-lived.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceptionally long", ensure the context clearly establishes a comparison point. What is the typical length being exceeded?

Common error

Avoid using "exceptionally long" without a clear reference or comparison. Instead of saying "The process was exceptionally long", specify what made it so long compared to typical processes: "The review process took six months, an exceptionally long time compared to the standard two-month timeframe."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptionally long" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier, intensifying the adjective "long". It indicates that something possesses a length that is notably beyond the ordinary or expected. This is supported by Ludwig, which validates its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

48%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptionally long" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize an extended duration or length, according to Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register and is versatile enough for various applications. When using "exceptionally long", ensure clarity by specifying the context and comparative baseline to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "remarkably lengthy" or "unusually extended" can offer nuanced variations, enhancing precision in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkably lengthy

Emphasizes the unusual extent in length.

unusually extended

Highlights the deviation from the typical duration or length.

particularly prolonged

Stresses the increased duration or continuation.

notably extensive

Focuses on the considerable scope or reach.

strikingly protracted

Emphasizes the unusually drawn-out nature.

extraordinarily elongated

Highlights the unusual stretching or extension in length.

uncommonly sustained

Emphasizes the unusual continuation or maintenance over time.

singularly stretched

Highlights the unique extension or lengthening.

inordinately spun out

Emphasizes excessive prolongation.

amazingly amplified

Focuses on a huge increase in size or time.

FAQs

How can I use "exceptionally long" in a sentence?

Use "exceptionally long" to describe something that greatly exceeds the usual or expected length, for example, "The movie had an "exceptionally long" running time", or "The coastline has an "exceptionally long" stretch of sandy beaches".

What are some alternatives to "exceptionally long"?

You can use alternatives such as "remarkably lengthy", "unusually extended", or "particularly prolonged" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the extended length.

Is it better to say "exceptionally long" or "very long"?

"Exceptionally long" indicates a greater degree of length than "very long". While "very long" simply denotes something is considerably long, "exceptionally long" suggests it's unusually or remarkably so.

What is the difference between "exceptionally long" and "excessively long"?

"Exceptionally long" typically describes a length that stands out, without necessarily implying a negative connotation. "Excessively long", on the other hand, usually implies that the length is undesirable or inappropriate in the given context.