length out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "length out" is not correct and does not have a clear meaning in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey a concept related to measuring or extending something, but it is not a recognized expression. Example: "Please length out the fabric before cutting it." (Note: This usage is awkward and not standard.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"We've had struggles getting some length out of our starters.

The New York Times

"We've had struggles getting some depth, some length out of our starters".

The New York Times - Sports

Mark a beginning here, mark an end here, like someone cutting a length out of the ribbon of reality.

The Guardian - Books

Both rainbow were lighter than fish of their length out West; there is not much food in the slightly acidic streams of the Smokies.

The New York Times - Sports

Forgive me if I quote him at some length:Out of crisis can come opportunity for the European Union, if its Member States are ready to grasp it.

The Economist

Mr. Gore's real offense wasn't picking up the wrong phone, but allowing his office to become mired in sleazy fund-raising ventures that he should have kept at arm's length out of a simple sense of propriety.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

And as the simulcast replay from the Calder Race Course clearly showed, the colt by that name had done nothing, finishing 10 lengths out of the money.

The New York Times

Cot Campbell, president of Dogwood Stable, which owns Impeachment, said: "Our colt will again drop 20 lengths out of it and make his run from the half-mile pole".

The New York Times - Sports

"We were trying to settle him and he'd take two lengths out of them in a race and get there too soon.

The Guardian - Sport

Monarchos failed to gain a step on Point Given en route to a third-place finish, two and three-quarters lengths out of second.

The New York Times - Sports

When I let him down two out he instantly took two lengths out of the field and though tiring towards the end he had enough in hand".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, substitute "length out" with more precise alternatives like "measure out" or "extend", depending on the intended context. For example, instead of saying "measure the scarf length out", it's clearer to say "measure out the scarf length".

Common error

Overusing "length out" can lead to vagueness. Ensure your writing specifies what action you're performing relative to the length. Are you measuring it, increasing it, or cutting it? Choosing a more descriptive verb enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "length out" primarily functions as a modifier in various contexts, often implying measurement or extension. However, it doesn't adhere to standard grammatical conventions, as indicated by Ludwig AI. Its use suggests an attempt to describe an action related to physical dimension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "length out" is used to describe actions related to measuring or extending something, but it's not considered grammatically standard, as Ludwig AI points out. While fairly common in informal contexts and news media, it is less appropriate for formal or academic writing. Clearer alternatives like "measure out" or "extend" can enhance precision. When clarity matters, replacing "length out" with a more descriptive verb is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

measure out

Implies determining the exact length or quantity of something.

extend

Focuses on increasing the length or reach of something.

stretch out

Suggests making something longer by pulling or expanding it.

elongate

Formally denotes making something longer or more extended.

draw out

Emphasizes prolonging or extending the duration of something, rather than physical length.

expand

Indicates increasing the size or scope of something, not necessarily in a linear fashion.

continue

Refers to prolonging something without necessarily increasing its physical dimension.

protract

Implies extending something, often in a tedious or unnecessary way.

increase

General term for making something larger, including length, quantity, or degree.

carry forward

Focuses on extending a process or action to a later point.

FAQs

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

While not grammatically standard, "length out" can be used to describe measuring or extending something. A clearer phrasing would often involve using a more specific verb like "measure" or "extend", such as "measure out the fabric".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "length out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extend", "measure out", or "stretch out". These phrases provide greater clarity and are more grammatically sound.

Is it grammatically correct to use "length out"?

No, "length out" is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. Ludwig AI identifies it as non-standard. Using clearer and more precise alternatives will improve your writing.

When should I avoid using the phrase "length out"?

Avoid using "length out" in formal writing or situations where clarity is essential. In contexts where the meaning is easily understood, such as informal instructions, it might be acceptable, but it's generally better to opt for more precise alternatives like "measure" or "extend".