for lengthy spells

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for lengthy spells" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or activity that lasts for an extended period of time. Example: "The team worked for lengthy spells to meet the project deadline, often putting in extra hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The likes of record signing Darren Bent, the defender Richard Dunne and the captain Stilian Petrov have been unavailable for lengthy spells and McLeish has had to put the accent on youth.

The Guardian - Sport

Spain failed to move through the gears despite exerting control for lengthy spells and a measure of perspective must be applied immediately to the outcome.

BBC

The hosts had dominated for lengthy spells - twice being denied by the woodwork as well as having two efforts cleared off the line.

BBC

Those employed in this industry often do so stationed for lengthy spells in camps hundreds of miles from what you or I might deem to comprise "humanity".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Brazilian received treatment for a lengthy spell before being fitted with a neck brace and carried from the pitch on a stretcher.

Independent

It has been a mixed season for Whelan, with the Republic of Ireland international finding himself out of the team for a lengthy spell around the turn of the year before winning his place back in February.

Independent

The 29-year-old, who has just returned from a nine-month layoff, injured his hamstring in training but Hughes played down fears that the hitman is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Independent

Wenger does not expect Koscielny to be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but the defender will not feature at Fulham because of his red card against Villa last weekend.

Independent

Millwall defender Carlos Edwards is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury.

BBC

It was feared the player would be out for a lengthy spell, but Brown has allayed those fears.

BBC

His fellow centre Anthony Allen is set to be out for a lengthy spell with a thumb injury.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for lengthy spells" to indicate duration, especially when describing conditions or activities that persist over time. It can add a touch of formality, suitable for news reports or descriptive narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "for lengthy spells" when specific durations are known or required. This phrase suggests a general sense of time rather than a precise measurement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for lengthy spells" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the duration or extent of an action or state. It specifies how long something occurs, aligning with Ludwig's examples that show its use in detailing time spans.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for lengthy spells" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe durations, particularly within news or descriptive contexts. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to specify the extent of an action or state over time. While not exceedingly common, it is suitable for formal writing where a descriptive tone is preferred. To avoid overuse, alternatives such as "for extended periods" may be considered. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for adding detail and clarity to descriptions, as long as you avoid using it in the wrong way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for extended periods

Replaces "lengthy spells" with a more general term for duration, emphasizing the continuous nature of the time period.

for prolonged durations

Uses a more formal tone, highlighting the extended nature of the time involved.

for considerable stretches

Emphasizes the continuity and extent of the time, suggesting a notable portion of time.

for extended stretches of time

Adds more emphasis on the continuity of the time involved.

over long intervals

Focuses on the gaps between occurrences within the extended period.

during extended phases

Suggests a specific period or stage within a larger process.

throughout extended timespans

Implies an observation covering a long range of time.

during sustained periods

Highlights the ongoing nature of the time, suggesting constant or consistent activity.

for significant expanses of time

Emphasizes the largeness of the time frame under discussion.

over extensive terms

Similar to 'extended periods' but may refer to established or defined durations, like employment or political office.

FAQs

How can I use "for lengthy spells" in a sentence?

You can use "for lengthy spells" to describe situations or activities that extend over a considerable period. For example, "The actor was unavailable "for lengthy spells" due to injury."

What are some alternatives to "for lengthy spells"?

Alternatives include "for extended periods", "for prolonged durations", or "over long intervals". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "for lengthy spells" formal or informal?

"For lengthy spells" leans towards a slightly more formal register. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "for a long time" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "for lengthy spells" and "for a long time"?

"For a long time" is a more general and informal way to express duration. "For lengthy spells" suggests a more defined, perhaps intermittent, series of durations, often used in descriptive or narrative contexts.