fair length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fair length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is of an adequate or reasonable length, often in contexts like writing, speeches, or physical objects. Example: "The report was of fair length, providing enough detail without being overly verbose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

These big guys often go a fair length of time without competing, anyway, but they do not like handing over their lucre in fines.

The Guardian - Sport

Williams used this phrase as a cricketing metaphor for a fair length and quality of life – analogous to the number of runs scored in a single cricket innings.

BMC Medical Ethics

(Note don't draw to close to an edge of paper) Draw a diagonal line like this \_\ it should be a fair length to accommodate the rest of the drawing.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Article mentions old Pre-Catalan, Bustanobys, and Beaux Arts, at fair lengths.

The New Yorker

The effect of fairing length was also analyzed based on the damping mechanism model.

Composite Structures

(Though, to be fair, Tinder won't disclose the average length of a conversation on the app).

TechCrunch

"Some scholars say it has to be a payment that is not an exchange for consideration ― more than a fair arms length exchange".

Huffington Post

It says it would "Make copyright shorter in length, fair and flexible, and prevent patents applying to software".

The Guardian - Tech

The Greens' manifesto said the party aims to "make copyright shorter in length, fair and flexible" with the party's policy website saying it would "introduce generally shorter copyright terms, with a usual maximum of 14 years".

The Guardian

Aside from its realistic depiction of gay sex, which Vanity Fair discussed at length, the episode took on the Western Beauty Myth -- which suggests thin, white, glossy-haired women are the peak of attractiveness -- with aplomb.

Huffington Post

Another tax protester argument is that income from labor should not be taxable because any amount the worker receives in exchange for his or her labor is received in an exchange of "equal value," although an exchange in any true "arm's length" fair market value transaction is, essentially by definition, an exchange of equal value.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fair length" when you want to convey that something is of an adequate or reasonable length, without being excessively long or short. This phrase is suitable for contexts where a balanced or moderate length is desirable.

Common error

Avoid using "fair length" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise measurements or descriptions are expected. In such cases, opt for specific units of measurement or more descriptive adjectives to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair length" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent or duration of something, suggesting it is adequate or reasonable. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe the length of time, objects or other abstract measurement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fair length" is used to describe something that has a reasonable or adequate length, suggesting a balanced extent without being excessive. Ludwig's analysis, based on a limited number of examples, identifies its grammatical function as an adjective phrase and finds it suitable for neutral contexts such as news, science, and wiki articles. While grammatically sound, it's recommended to use more precise descriptions in highly formal or technical writing. Alternatives like "reasonable length" or "adequate length" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable length

Emphasizes the adequacy and appropriateness of the length.

adequate length

Focuses on the sufficiency of the length for a specific purpose.

sufficient length

Highlights that the length is enough to meet a requirement.

considerable length

Suggests the length is notably long, but still acceptable.

moderate length

Indicates a length that is neither too short nor too long, but balanced.

decent length

Implies the length is good enough or satisfactory.

tolerable length

Suggests the length might be slightly longer than preferred, but acceptable.

average length

Refers to a length that is typical or normal.

suitable length

Implies the length is appropriate for a specific need or standard.

acceptable length

Focuses on the permissibility of the length within given constraints.

FAQs

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

You can use "fair length" to describe something that is of adequate size or duration. For example, "The report was of a "fair length", providing enough detail without being overly verbose."

What is a synonym for "fair length"?

Alternatives to "fair length" include phrases like "reasonable length", "adequate length", or "sufficient length", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fair length" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "fair length" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or scientific writing, more precise terminology might be preferred.

What does "fair length" imply about the object being described?

When describing something as being a "fair length", it implies that the object or duration is neither excessively long nor particularly short; it is of a reasonable or acceptable size.