expand in length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expand in length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an increase in size or duration, particularly in contexts related to physical objects, time, or abstract concepts. Example: "The balloon will expand in length as it fills with air."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In this new arrangement "Nightline" will expand in length to fill the half hour, and, significantly, the "Nightline" team will also produce an additional hour every week in prime time on Friday nights at 9 00 p.m. beginning March 1st.

The New York Times

Once separated, the microvilli expand in length.

Biology Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The new web configuration means the width of each page will be reduced by about an inch and expanded in length by a half-inch, Mr. Curley said.

The New York Times

For example, he increased the importance of the coda, or concluding section, and used unusual keys in the exposition, which was greatly expanded in length.

Encyclopedia Britannica

MPCs also contribute additional nuclei to the muscle fibre as it expands in length and diameter [ 5].

BMC Genomics

Finally, and I think not coincidentally, eukaryotes typically have genomes that are greatly expanded in length by as much as several orders of magnitude beyond those of bacteria, and those genomes usually contain a lot more noncoding DNA whose function we don't understand.

BMC Biology

But as you get bigger, you expand in both length and width.

TechCrunch

That's because they shrink in length but expand in diameter, just like our own muscle fibers do, when heat is applied selectively to one side of the material.

TechCrunch

(CTG n and (CAG n repeats form imperfectly base paired hairpins that tend to expand in vivo in a length-dependent manner.

Cell and Bioscience

Arabidopsis leaf blades expand in two dimensions, which are described as leaf-length (longitudinal) and leaf-width (lateral) axes.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Our work describes the intracellular interactions in quantitative detail, providing an initial framework that we will expand in the future to ultimately understand the full-length molecule.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical growth or extension, use "expand in length" to clearly indicate an increase in the longitudinal dimension. For abstract concepts, consider if a more specific verb like "extend" or "protract" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "expand in length" when describing non-physical increases, such as the scope of a project. Opt for phrases like "broaden", "extend", or "increase" to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expand in length" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of something becoming longer. It specifies the direction of the expansion, focusing on the longitudinal dimension. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expand in length" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI, employed to depict an increase in the longitudinal dimension of something. It's found across various contexts including science, news, and encyclopedias. While it's a correct phrase, remember that in non-physical scenarios other options such as "broaden", "extend", or "increase" could be more suitable. Alternatives like "increase in length" or "grow longer" offer similar meanings. Use "expand in length" thoughtfully to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extend in length

Similar to the original phrase but uses a different verb.

increase in length

Focuses on the action of increasing in size, specifically length.

become longer

States the result of becoming longer.

grow longer

Emphasizes the process of becoming longer over time.

lengthen

A more concise verb that means to make something longer.

elongate

Suggests making something disproportionately long.

stretch out

Implies pulling or straining something to make it longer.

draw out

Often refers to extending something abstract like a discussion, but can apply to physical length.

dilate longitudinally

A more technical term for expanding along the length axis.

protract

Implies extending something outwards or forwards.

FAQs

What does "expand in length" mean?

The phrase "expand in length" means to increase the longitudinal dimension of something, making it longer. This can apply to physical objects, time periods, or even abstract concepts.

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

You can use "expand in length" to describe physical growth, as in "The microvilli "expand in length"." It can also describe extending a period of time, as in "Nightline will "expand in length" to fill the half hour."

What are some alternatives to "expand in length"?

Alternatives to "expand in length" include "increase in length", "grow longer", or simply "lengthen". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "expand in length" and "extend in length"?

While both phrases are similar, "extend in length" often implies a deliberate act of making something longer, whereas "expand in length" can suggest a more natural or inherent process of growing longer.