has been lengthy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been lengthy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has taken a considerable amount of time or has been prolonged in duration. Example: "The meeting has been lengthy, lasting over three hours without a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Within Fatah itself, there has been lengthy feuding over which candidates the party will field.

The Economist

The battle between this small fishing community and Shell's Nigerian subsidiary has been lengthy, arduous and imbalanced.

The Guardian

That's been obvious since we lost to Watford in November but the decline has been lengthy and this year's Russian roulette gun had six bullets.

The Guardian - Sport

DRS is working with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Homeland Security Department to certify the device for use on commercial airliners, but the process has been lengthy.

The New York Times

Statistics' courtship of sport has been lengthy and at times painful to watch, but the 21st Century has seen a breakthrough, and it's now almost impossible to watch any top level competition without Moneyball being dropped into conversation at some point or other.

The Guardian

The disagreement has been lengthy and complicated.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Other blockbuster government reports in recent decades have been lengthy.

The New York Times

To be sure, the negotiations have been lengthy.

The Guardian

A blockade would have been lengthy, however, because the defenders had plentiful food and water supplies.

Britannica

Had the concept existed in sport in 1987, the Nick Faldo backstory would have been lengthy and drawn out.

The Guardian - Sport

In a short statement, Public Interest Lawyers said: "We are awaiting the supreme court's judgment after what have been lengthy proceedings".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been lengthy", ensure that the context clearly indicates what process or event is being described as long, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "has been lengthy" without giving context or details about the duration or impact. Provide specifics to make your statement more informative and engaging for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been lengthy" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present perfect construction, modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a state or condition that started in the past and continues or has relevance in the present.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been lengthy" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, primarily used to describe processes or events that have taken a considerable amount of time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and serves to indicate duration. While it is not exceedingly common, appearing in various contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedic content, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context makes it clear what has extended in duration. Alternatives like "has taken a long time" or "has been prolonged" can offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has taken a long time

Focuses on the duration of the process or event.

has been prolonged

Emphasizes the extension of something beyond its expected duration.

has stretched out

Implies that something has extended, often unexpectedly, over time.

has been extensive

Highlights the broad scope and duration.

has lasted a considerable time

Directly indicates the amount of time involved.

has been a drawn-out affair

Suggests a tedious or protracted process.

has seen a long duration

Focuses on the length of the period observed.

has unfolded over a long period

Emphasizes the gradual development over an extended time.

has run its course for a while

Implies the completion after a significant duration.

has been a marathon

Uses a metaphor to convey the length and endurance required.

FAQs

How can I use "has been lengthy" in a sentence?

Use "has been lengthy" to describe a process, negotiation, or period that lasted longer than expected. For instance, "The negotiation "has been lengthy" due to disagreements on key terms."

What are some alternatives to "has been lengthy"?

You can use alternatives such as "has taken a long time", "has been prolonged", or "has lasted a considerable time" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "has been lengthy" or "has taken a long time"?

"Has been lengthy" is generally perceived as slightly more formal than "has taken a long time". Both are acceptable, but "has been lengthy" might be preferred in professional or academic writing.

What's the difference between "has been lengthy" and "was lengthy"?

"Has been lengthy" implies that the process or event started in the past and continues to have an impact or relevance in the present, whereas "was lengthy" refers to a process or event that is completely finished and occurred in the past.