inordinate length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inordinate length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively long or longer than what is considered normal or acceptable. Example: "The report was criticized for its inordinate length, making it difficult for readers to stay engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

De Palma mimics this, drawing out to inordinate length what his Russian forebear spliced into jagged montage.

The New Yorker

In Babel's spongy tone and inordinate length you can hear the echo of far too many voices.

The Guardian

As in all his work, Shawn suggests mankind is heading towards catastrophe; but, even at this inordinate length, he does so with mordant humour.

The Guardian

They delivered films of inordinate length for the same reason Erich von Stroheim did: because they could get away with it.

The New York Times

This being Lochhead, Scotland's former national poet, they are also given to breathless sentences of inordinate length, all rococo flourishes and demotic shocks.

The Guardian

I say, and said at rather inordinate length during that other semi-final, that it was 'A View to a Kill'.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Republican Presidential candidates have gone to inordinate lengths to make their connection to Nixon known.

The New Yorker

The inordinate lengths that banks have gone to to protect their customers is understandable.

Independent

Yet those same bosses go to inordinate lengths to delay recognising such supposedly irrelevant, non-cash losses.

The Economist

The newest millionaires and billionaires on the buying block are the Chinese, with both auction houses going to inordinate lengths to court them.

The Guardian - Arts

O'Connor's recent book, Alec Guinness: The Unknown, went to inordinate lengths to prove the perfectly possible, but completely unsubstantiated surmise that Guinness was secretly gay.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inordinate length", ensure the context clearly indicates why the length is problematic or excessive. Provide specific details to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "inordinate length" without explaining why the length is excessive. Simply stating that something has "inordinate length" without providing context can leave the reader confused or unsure of your meaning. For example, instead of just saying "the report had an inordinate length", specify "the report had an inordinate length, making it difficult to extract key findings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inordinate length" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "inordinate" modifies the noun "length". Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inordinate length" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe something excessively long. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media, and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific context to explain why the length is considered problematic. Alternatives such as ""excessive duration"" or ""undue length"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful to provide sufficient context to justify your assessment of the length. Keep in mind, while "great length" is factual, "inordinate length" is opinionated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive duration

Focuses on the time aspect, emphasizing that something lasts longer than necessary.

undue length

Highlights that the length is inappropriate or unjustified.

disproportionate length

Suggests an imbalance or lack of proportion in the length.

extreme length

Emphasizes the severity or extremity of the length.

unreasonable duration

Implies that the length or duration is not logical or justifiable.

protracted length

Highlights that something is drawn out or prolonged.

overextended length

Focuses on the idea that the length goes beyond what is appropriate or necessary.

immoderate length

Indicates a lack of moderation or restraint in the length.

unwarranted duration

Suggests the duration is not justified or deserved.

extended at great length

Focuses on the great extent to which something has been extended.

FAQs

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

You can use "inordinate length" to describe something that is excessively long or longer than what is considered normal or acceptable. For instance, "The presentation suffered from its "inordinate length", causing many attendees to lose interest".

What are some alternatives to "inordinate length"?

Some alternatives include "excessive duration", "undue length", or "disproportionate length" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "inordinate length"?

It is appropriate to use "inordinate length" when you want to emphasize that something is excessively long and that this length is causing a problem or inconvenience.

What's the difference between "inordinate length" and "great length"?

"Great length" simply indicates something is very long, while "inordinate length" implies that the length is excessive and problematic. The former is neutral, while the latter carries a negative connotation.