extravagant length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extravagant length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively long or elaborate, often in a negative or critical context. Example: "The report was filled with extravagant length, making it difficult to extract the key points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Only a shortage of thematic surprises – given its extravagant length – keeps it from being quite the seismically jazz-changing departure that some admirers are claiming.

The Guardian - Music

As the key sideman in Miles Davis's band during its 1960 European tour, Coltrane played at extravagant length, often far longer than did Davis himself.

The New Yorker

"Child in Time" is afflicted with the generic faults – po-faced solemnity, extravagant length – yet Ian Gillan's screams are incontrovertibly musical even as the song spirals into absurdity.

Independent

This sequel clears up loose ends: readers, sometimes irate, write to correct aspects of the family story, and Holroyd hunts, often at extravagant length, for archival clues about some of the more elusive characters.

The New Yorker

Even at its extravagant length, the book fails to get inside its subject, leaving the reader with a portrait of Cissy Patterson as little more than a wildly intemperate woman who used her money to bully friends and employees.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The discovery stokes Tom's obsession, and he goes to extravagant lengths to solve the case.

The New York Times

Frayn, under the false impression that Tomalin was writing a literary diary of some sort, went to extravagant lengths to think of "witty and striking things to say".

The Guardian - Books

Additionally, the fund's directors went to extravagant lengths to give the impression that the company was based in the Caribbean.

The Guardian

It is a mistake to mention anything unclear to McDowell, because he will go to entirely extravagant lengths to clarify it.

The New Yorker

Instead, Mr. Lamos went to extravagant lengths to re-create the sense of danger and transgression that made these plays so sensational when they were new.

The New York Times

Collaborating with his sister Mélanie (Julie Ferrier) and brother-in-law Marc (François Damiens), Alex goes to extravagant lengths to seduce and destroy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extravagant length", ensure the context clearly indicates that the length is excessive and undesirable. Consider whether a more concise alternative might improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "extravagant length" to simply describe something that is long. The phrase carries a negative connotation, implying the length is unnecessary or detrimental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extravagant length" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "extravagant" modifies the noun "length". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is used to describe something that exceeds the expected or necessary length.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extravagant length" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something excessively long, usually with a negative connotation. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, its primary function is to express criticism regarding the extended duration or size. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that using a concise expression could improve the clarity of your message. Similar alternatives are "excessive duration" and "unnecessary length".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive duration

Focuses on the duration being more than necessary.

unnecessary length

Highlights that the length is not required or useful.

undue length

Implies the length is inappropriate or unjustified.

inordinate length

Emphasizes the length is beyond what is reasonable or normal.

protracted duration

Suggests the length is extended and possibly tedious.

overextended length

Implies the length has been stretched beyond a reasonable limit.

gratuitous length

Indicates the length is unnecessary and adds nothing of value.

immoderate length

Suggests a lack of restraint in the length.

superfluous length

Highlights that the length is more than sufficient or needed.

needless extension

Focuses on the idea that the extension is not required.

FAQs

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

You can use "extravagant length" to describe something that is excessively long and perhaps unnecessary. For example, "The report suffered from "extravagant length", making it difficult to extract key information."

What are some alternatives to "extravagant length"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "excessive duration", "unnecessary length", or "undue length".

Is it always negative to describe something as having "extravagant length"?

Yes, the phrase "extravagant length" generally carries a negative connotation, implying the length is more than what is necessary or desirable.

What's the difference between "extravagant length" and simply saying something is "long"?

"Long" is a neutral descriptor, while "extravagant length" suggests the length is excessive, wasteful, or detrimental. It implies a critical judgment about the appropriateness of the length.