explained at length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explained at length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic that has been thoroughly detailed or elaborated upon. Example: "The author explained at length the implications of climate change on global economies in her latest book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Dr. Hetzler explained at length about the surgery and recovery.

The New York Times

Favor Hamilton's own answer, explained at length in a new memoir, is untreated bipolar disorder.

The New Yorker

There are some caveats for each of them that have been excellently explained at length by Channel 4's FactCheck.

The Guardian

As Molly Ivins explained at length in her book "Shrub, the list includes George W. Bush himself.

The New York Times

The adjectival use of "Democrat" — as in Democrat Party, Democrat leaders, Democrat cut-'n'-runners — is a calculated insult, as I have explained at length.

The New Yorker

The memo then explained at length that the definition of the word "profound" allowed for a broad interpretation of what measures were acceptable short of that.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Some of the chapters take for granted science that another writer would explain at length.

The Guardian - Books

And as bonsai guides explain at length, it is quite easy to manage.

The New York Times

The man went on to explain at length his view that Rwandans cannot be trusted.

The New Yorker

A cartoonist should not have to explain at length what the political message behind his work is.

The Guardian - Opinion

In "Duty," Gates explains at length how he served as broker amid an extremely complex set of policy choices.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explained at length" to indicate that a topic was discussed with considerable detail and thoroughness. It adds emphasis to the completeness of the explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "explained at length" when a simpler phrase like "explained in detail" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explained at length" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which something was explained. It emphasizes that the explanation was thorough and detailed. Ludwig shows that this phrase is often used in formal writing to convey the depth of an explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explained at length" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that signifies a detailed and thorough explanation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and its prevalence in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While acceptable in many situations, consider using alternatives like "detailed explanation" or "elaborated extensively" for conciseness. This phrase is most suitable for conveying that a topic has been covered comprehensively, especially in formal or neutral registers. The phrase's strength is in emphasizing the completeness of the explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed explanation

Focuses on the thoroughness of the explanation rather than the duration or extent.

elaborated extensively

Highlights the act of expanding upon a topic with rich detail.

discussed in detail

Emphasizes the examination of various aspects of a subject.

covered comprehensively

Suggests a thorough and complete treatment of a topic.

gone into depth

Implies a thorough exploration of a subject's complexities.

fully expounded

Highlights a complete and detailed presentation of an idea.

thoroughly analyzed

Focuses on the detailed examination and interpretation of a subject.

presented in detail

Highlights the presentation of comprehensive information.

expanded upon considerably

Implies a significant enlargement of the original idea with additional information.

offered a comprehensive account

Highlights the provision of a complete and detailed narrative or explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "explained at length" to indicate a detailed and thorough explanation, as in "The author "explained at length" the reasons behind the economic crisis".

What are some alternatives to "explained at length"?

Alternatives include "detailed explanation", "elaborated extensively", or "discussed in detail". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "explained at length" or "explained briefly"?

The choice depends on whether the explanation was detailed or concise. Use "explained at length" for thorough explanations and "explained briefly" for short ones.

What is the difference between "explained at length" and "described in detail"?

"Explained at length" emphasizes the act of making something clear through detailed discussion, while "described in detail" focuses on providing a thorough account of something. They are similar, but the former is used more for clarifying complex topics, and the latter for detailed portrayals.