for a length of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a length of time" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a period of time that has yet to be specified. For example, "We have been working together for a length of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

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

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

The New York Times

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

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

I've been looking at this for a length of time; it wasn't right 12 months ago but it's right now.

The Guardian - Sport

Which is to say a momentumist is someone who has lived for a length of time in New York City.

The New York Times

I have a girlfriend, and we've been together for a length of time that makes people wonder why we don't share a home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Any annual evaluation system should be piloted and adjusted on a small scale for a length of time that provides sufficient feedback before being implemented statewide.

The Washington Post

I have a girlfriend, and we've been together for a length of time that makes people wonder why we don't share a home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a length of time" when you want to emphasize the duration without specifying the exact time period. For instance, "The experiment was conducted for a length of time to ensure accurate results."

Common error

Avoid using "for a length of time" when you've already specified a precise duration. Instead of saying "The meeting lasted for a length of time of two hours", simply state "The meeting lasted for two hours".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a length of time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause by indicating duration. It specifies how long an action or state persists. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

29%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a length of time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate the duration of an action or state without specifying exact time. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and used across varied contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While there exist several alternatives, such as "for a period of time", the choice depends on the desired level of formality and specificity. Avoid redundancy by not using it when a precise duration has already been specified. Using "for a length of time" effectively enriches your writing by adding a nuance of duration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a period of time

Replaces "length" with "period", emphasizing a segment of time.

for a duration of time

Substitutes "length" with "duration", highlighting the extent of time.

for a specified duration

Implies a more formal and precise time frame.

for a specific time frame

Highlights precision in determining the temporal boundaries.

for a certain period

Adds specificity, suggesting a defined but perhaps not quantified time.

for a while

Uses a less formal term indicating an unspecified duration.

for some time

Similar to "for a while", implying a certain amount of time has passed or will pass.

over a time span

Focuses on the extent of the time interval.

during a set time

Indicates activity occurring within established temporal boundaries.

throughout an interval

Stresses continuous action or state across a temporal range.

FAQs

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

Use "for a length of time" when you want to indicate a period without specifying the exact duration. For example, "The data was stored for a length of time to ensure proper analysis".

What are some alternatives to "for a length of time"?

You can use alternatives like "for a period of time", "for a duration of time", or "for some time" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "for a length of time" and "for a period of time"?

While similar, "for a length of time" emphasizes the duration, whereas "for a period of time" focuses on a segment of time. They are often interchangeable but subtly differ in emphasis.

When is it inappropriate to use "for a length of time"?

Avoid using "for a length of time" when you've already given a precise duration; it can sound redundant. In such cases, state the exact duration directly.