lengths of timber

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lengths of timber" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific measurements or pieces of wood, often in construction or woodworking contexts. Example: "The carpenter ordered several lengths of timber to complete the new deck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

An elderly lady was watching the construction crew dodging in and out of traffic with tools and lengths of timber.

The New Yorker

Sometimes she works with newspaper photographs (there are lots of politicians making emphatic hand gestures), at other times with bare cubes, paper, lengths of timber or biscuit tins.

The Guardian - Arts

Steps away, inside the Maran Road Sawmill, workers nimbly slice lengths of timber into thinner strips, adding to the blanket of ochre dust beneath them.

The New York Times

On April 1, 2008, Tate Kapaandu Shitaka, an excavator operator, inadvertently uncovered two metal tubes, later identified as bronze breech-loading cannons, along with other unexpected artifacts to include copper ingots, elephants tusks, gold coins and lengths of timber, suggesting the remains of a shipwreck.

Huffington Post

Obtain 6 lengths of timber at whatever height you would your stand to be.

WikiHow

Know how to run long lengths of timber through the blade.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We would select and hand fell a tree with a chainsaw, remove the branches, cross-cut the length of timber and stack the logs by hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The court heard that during riots in the Australian-run detention centre on 17 February 2014, Kaluvia twice hit Barati with a length of timber spiked with nails and Efi dropped a rock on his head as he lay on the floor.

The Guardian

Since transportation and production limit the length of timber elements, the glulam arches must be spliced on bridge site.

Engineering Structures

A joist is a length of timber or metal that provides structural support.

WikiHow

Blades with fewer teeth (say 28) and with less rake to the face of the teeth, are designed for ripping along the length of timber, with the grain.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about construction or woodworking, use "lengths of timber" to refer to specific, measured pieces of wood, particularly in British English contexts. For American English, consider using "lengths of lumber" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "lengths of timber" when a more specific term like "planks", "beams", or "boards" would provide greater clarity to your writing. Always consider the context and the specific type of wood being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengths of timber" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It denotes specific, measurable portions of wood used for construction or other purposes. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Wiki

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lengths of timber" is a grammatically sound and readily understood phrase, generally employed to indicate specified quantities of wood intended for various purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use. It is most frequently encountered within news media, wiki articles, and scientific publications. While versatile, more specific terms might improve clarity depending on context. When writing, bear in mind that "lengths of timber" is frequently used in British English whereas in American contexts "lengths of lumber" is the more common option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pieces of lumber

Replaces "timber" with the synonym "lumber", which is common in American English.

timber sections

Substitutes "lengths" with "sections", focusing on specific portions of timber.

wooden beams

Specifies the timber's form as "beams", implying structural use.

lumber pieces

Inverts the order and uses "lumber" instead of "timber".

timber components

Replaces "lengths" with "components", emphasizing that the timber is part of a larger construction.

timber elements

Uses "elements" to suggest that the timber are parts of a greater construction.

measured timber

Highlights that the timber has been quantified.

cut timber pieces

Emphasizes that the timber has undergone the action of cutting.

timber planks

Specifies a particular form of timber, i.e. planks.

sections of wood

Replaces both "lengths" and "timber" with more general terms.

FAQs

How is "lengths of timber" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "lengths of timber" typically refers to measured pieces of wood used in construction or woodworking. For example: "The carpenter ordered several "lengths of timber" to complete the new deck."

What are some synonyms for "lengths of timber"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "pieces of lumber", "timber sections", or "wooden beams". The best choice depends on the specific type and use of the wood.

Is "lengths of timber" formal or informal language?

"Lengths of timber" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is appropriate for technical writing, construction documents, and general descriptions. More informal options include "pieces of wood".

When should I use "lengths of lumber" instead of "lengths of timber"?

Use "lengths of lumber" primarily in American English contexts, as "lumber" is the more common term for wood in the United States. "Lengths of timber" is more frequently used in British English and other Commonwealth countries.