length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing measurements, duration, or extent of something. Example: "The length of the table is six feet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Education

Books

TV & Radio

Tech

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Meanwhile, Karimov has sought to keep Russia at arm's length.

The Guardian

Onofre told the band the length of the performance was to be determined by how long the oxygen inside lasted.

The Guardian - Arts

It's the same with bowling, line and length, line and length.

The Guardian - Sport

Eyre said he had "talked at length" with Norris – advising him that at times he would need to be stoical and that the most enjoyable part of the job was "taking pleasure in others' successes".

The Guardian

"If you've got a fixed-term tenancy and you want to leave before it ends, the landlord can insist that you keep paying rent for the full length of the tenancy," says Khan. "If you have a joint fixed-term tenancy it can't be ended early unless all the housemates and the landlord agree, which is known as a surrender, or if there is a break clause in the tenancy agreement.

The Guardian

I now realised that this is what happened every night, during the two years in the West End and in countless performances the length and breadth of the country.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The hardest climbing has only recently weighed into the new grade of 5.15 and then usually for single-rope-length sport climbs, which even then climbers may spend weeks or months attempting to overcome.

The Guardian

Obvious candidates in the firing line among Defra's 28 arms-length bodies include its waste programme, Wrap.

The Guardian

There have been rumours of a feature-length version of the popular BBC series for a number of years now, intensified recently by the reunion of the characters in Back and Forth, the short film currently showing at the millennium dome in the Skyscape cinema.

The Guardian - Film

In a separate talk with Fader, James promised that the new full-length will not be his last: he is apparently "kicked into gear" for new releases.

The Guardian - Music

Later in the year Reid's book-length poem The Song of Lunch, about two former lovers meeting at their old Soho haunt, was made into a BBC film starring Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "length" of digital content, specify the units (e.g., words, pages, minutes) for clarity.

Common error

Be careful to use "length" when referring to the longest dimension of an object, and "width" for a shorter, perpendicular dimension.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "length" is as a noun, referring to a measurement of distance along the longest dimension of an object, or a duration. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it can also denote extent or a physical piece of something. The word "length" can also function as a verb (to lengthen), however, it is far less common than its usage as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Education

10%

Books

8%

TV & Radio

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "length" functions primarily as a noun, denoting measurement, duration, or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears across diverse contexts, from News & Media to academic discussions. Its usage spans from formal to informal registers. Common errors include confusing "length" with "width". Related terms include "duration" and "extent". When using "length", ensure that units are specified for clear communication, and remember that it describes the longest dimension or the duration of something. Overall, "length" is a versatile and widely understood term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

measurement along the longest dimension

More specific way to indicate measurement of the longest part of an object.

duration

Refers specifically to the time something lasts.

extent

Indicates the range or scope of something.

measurement

Emphasizes the process of determining size or quantity.

distance

Highlights the space between two points.

period

Focuses on a specific segment of time.

span

Implies a continuous extent or range.

timeframe

Refers to a defined interval of time.

magnitude

Suggests the size or importance of something.

size

General term referring to overall dimensions.

FAQs

How is "length" used in geometry?

In geometry, "length" refers to the measurement of a line segment or the longest side of a shape. It is a fundamental property used in calculating area, perimeter, and volume.

What are some synonyms for "length" when referring to time?

When discussing the "length" of an event or period, you can use synonyms such as "duration", "period", or "span".

How do I accurately measure "length"?

Accurate "length" measurement depends on the object. Use appropriate tools like rulers, measuring tapes, or laser distance measurers. Ensure the tool is properly calibrated and aligned with the object being measured.

What's the difference between "length" and "width"?

"Length" typically refers to the longest dimension of an object, while "width" refers to the shorter dimension, often perpendicular to the length. In some contexts, such as describing a rectangle, these terms are specifically defined.