for a length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific duration or measurement of time or distance. Example: "The project will be delayed for a length of two weeks due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a length of time I cannot delineate, I sat there, awestruck, transfixed.

The New Yorker

For a length and breadth of many miles, the ground never falls below 9500 feet.

Nature

The Old Walls are still preserved, extending for a length of 7 km.

Cornell University

The table slopes slightly below the bridge toward the bottom for a length of 14 cm.

Yale University

They provide protection for the intellectual property for a length of twenty years.

Stanford University

He also said experts had raised questions about the validity of tests from urine preserved for a length of time.

The New York Times - Sports

It presupposes the ability to buy in bulk, transport goods and store food for a length of time.

The Guardian

This is the first time I've stayed for a length of time in Notting Hill.

The New York Times

The government accepted responsibility for providing free primary education for a length of time fixed provisionally at five years.

Britannica

The user will also be asked for a length of time (in seconds) that this pattern will be held.

Cornell University

Instead, Maximus Ruler shot past him for a length victory, and the trainer headed for his barn.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a length" when specifying a measured distance or time period. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to physical dimension or temporal duration.

Common error

Avoid using "for a length" when a simpler preposition like "for" or "during" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or wordy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a length" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a duration or measurement. Ludwig examples show it defining time spans (e.g., "for a length of twenty years") or spatial extents (e.g., "for a length of 7 km").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for a length" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to specify duration or distance. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like ""for a duration"" or ""over a distance"" exist, "for a length" remains a common and acceptable choice for providing precise measurements. To avoid wordiness, consider if "for" or "during" might suffice in simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a duration

Replaces "length" with "duration", emphasizing the time aspect.

for a period

Similar to "for a duration", focusing on a specific time interval.

for a time

More general, indicating an unspecified duration.

over a distance

Shifts focus to spatial extent rather than temporal duration.

across a span

Emphasizes the extent or range covered.

covering a range

Similar to "across a span", highlighting the scope.

extending over

Highlights the act of reaching or stretching across something.

for an extent

Focuses on the degree to which something stretches.

throughout a stretch

Implies continuity over a certain distance or time.

during a phase

Refers to a specific portion or segment of time within a larger process.

FAQs

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

Use "for a length" to specify a duration of time or a distance. For example, "The wire extends "for a length" of five meters" or "The medication should be taken "for a length" of two weeks".

What are some alternatives to "for a length"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "for a duration", "for a period", "over a distance", or "across a span".

Is it always necessary to use "for a length of time" instead of simply "for a time"?

No, it is not always necessary. "For a time" is often sufficient and more concise. Use "for a length of time" when you want to emphasize the specific duration or when the length is particularly noteworthy.

What's the difference between "for a length of time" and "during"?

"For a length of time" specifies the duration, while "during" indicates when something occurs within a timeframe. Example: "For a length of time, the engine idled" versus "The engine idled during the traffic stop".