inordinate length of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inordinate length of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a duration that is excessively long or beyond what is considered normal or reasonable. Example: "The project took an inordinate length of time to complete, causing frustration among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It reminds me of the joke about the dyslexic who tried to commit suicide: he jumped behind the train.'" Rauschenberg cackled for an inordinate length of time, Hall adds, given the poor quality of the joke.

The Guardian - Arts

However, if you're using the iPad for any inordinate length of time on a daily basis, it's worth a look.

TechCrunch

"This was preferable to calling their customer services line and being put on hold for inordinate length of time listening to pulsating dance music," he says.

BBC

After what seemed an inordinate length of time (the wheels of government business, at times, seem to be square), I was short-listed for an interview and, eventually, hired in March 2001.

Science Magazine

"The problem here remains the inordinate length of time it took to accomplish their [response] procedures," Jenkins said.

Los Angeles Times

Seats in observation stands are not to be reserved, and personal chairs are not to be unattended for any inordinate length of time.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The delay comes after an independent panel of scientists and state environmental officials have spent nine years--an inordinate length of time--reviewing the health effects of diesel exhaust to judge whether it should be deemed a toxic air contaminant.

Los Angeles Times

In a session with New York reporters, he said he wanted the sides to "come up with a system where teams are not doomed by their past mistakes for inordinate lengths of time, so the fans can have hope".

The New York Times - Sports

Neal Alston, chairman of Hertfordshire Police Federation, said officers had been taking patients to hospital a "couple of times a month" and found themselves waiting "inordinate lengths of time" on a daily basis.

BBC

Then there is the inordinate length of the proceedings.

BBC

A year after the original incident, former home secretary Jack Straw criticises the "inordinate and unjustified" length of time the investigation has taken.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inordinate length of time" when you want to emphasize that a duration is not only long but also excessive or unreasonable in the given context.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "inordinate length of time" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a really long time" or "way too long" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inordinate length of time" functions as a descriptor modifying a noun, indicating that the duration being referenced is excessively long and often considered unreasonable or beyond what is normal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inordinate length of time" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a duration considered excessively long and often unreasonable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal contexts such as news reports or professional documents, but might sound overly formal in casual settings. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "excessive duration" or "undue length of time" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances. It's important to consider your target audience and context before using the phrase to avoid sounding out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive duration

Focuses on the duration being beyond what is acceptable or normal.

undue length of time

Emphasizes that the duration is unwarranted or inappropriate.

protracted period

Highlights the extended nature of the time frame.

extended duration

Simply states that the duration is longer than usual.

unreasonably long time

Indicates that the time is longer than is fair or justified.

overextended period

Suggests the time has been stretched beyond its reasonable limit.

inordinately long spell

Replaces "time" with "spell", implying a continuous period.

lengthy delay

Focuses on the delay aspect and its extended nature.

prolonged wait

Emphasizes the waiting aspect and its extended duration.

long-drawn-out process

Highlights the tedious and extended nature of the process.

FAQs

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

You can use "inordinate length of time" to describe a duration that is excessively long or beyond what is considered normal or reasonable. For example: "The project took an "inordinate length of time" to complete, causing frustration among the team members."

What are some alternatives to "inordinate length of time"?

Some alternatives include "excessive duration", "undue length of time", or "protracted period", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "inordinate length of time"?

"Inordinate length of time" is suitable in formal writing or when you want to emphasize that a delay or duration is unreasonable or excessive. It is often used in news articles, reports, or academic papers.

Is "inordinate length of time" interchangeable with "excessive amount of time"?

While similar, "inordinate length of time" specifically refers to the duration itself being excessive. "Excessive amount of time" can refer to the time spent on an activity, not necessarily the duration of the activity itself. So, they are not always interchangeable.