lengthy correspondence

USAGE SUMMARY

"lengthy correspondence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a long, ongoing exchange of letters or emails between people in a formal or professional setting. For example, "I've been involved in a lengthy correspondence with my lawyer about the divorce settlement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The airline that did that to him was utterly unsympathetic throughout a lengthy correspondence afterwards.

Independent

"We've had lengthy correspondence suggesting they change this," Amy Borrus, deputy director of the Council of Institutional Investors, told me.

The New York Times

Over the course of a lengthy correspondence, a bond can develop between a swindler and a scam-baiter.

The New York Times - Tech

His research included a lengthy correspondence with Susan Atkins, one of the three women convicted with Mr. Manson.

The New York Times - Arts

Of interest is the lengthy correspondence between Merton and Charles Crothers, who wrote a biography on Merton's life and work.

Columbia University

In the 16th century, during the Reformation, a lengthy correspondence took place between a group of reformers headed by Philipp Melanchthon and the ecumenical patriarch Jeremias II.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Within the bureaucracy, lengthy procedural correspondence buried urgent messages and covert networks troubled official hierarchies.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr. Khodorkovsky, who is widely despised among poorer Russians for making billions from murkily privatized oil wells and other assets, has also continued the Russian literary tradition of lengthy manifestos and correspondence from prison.

The New York Times

In some lengthy e-mail correspondence I had with her last year, she argued that we were not in a Golden Age yet.

TechCrunch

The Plot:"You Got Mail" came out in 1998 and the premise was reasonable given the technology of the time": Two bookstore owners fall in love through a lengthy anonymous email correspondence, blissfully unaware that they are actually business rivals.

Huffington Post

In a lengthy exchange of correspondence, Sullivan pronounced Gilbert's plot sketch (particularly the "lozenge" element) unacceptably mechanical, and too similar in both its grotesque "elements of topsyturveydom" and in actual plot to their earlier work, especially The Sorcerer, and repeatedly requested that Gilbert find a new subject.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lengthy correspondence", consider if the 'length' is a key aspect of the information you're conveying. If the detail or content is more important than the duration, "extensive communication" might be a better choice.

Common error

While "lengthy" can sometimes imply tedium, be careful not to automatically assume a negative connotation. The length of a "lengthy correspondence" might simply reflect the complexity or importance of the topic being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy correspondence" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a series of communications characterized by their extended duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lengthy correspondence" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a sustained exchange of communication, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to inform about the prolonged duration of these exchanges. Predominantly found in news, academic, and science-related contexts, it maintains a formal and professional tone. When employing this phrase, ensure the length of the communication is a relevant aspect of the information being conveyed, and be mindful of potential implications of tedium. Alternatives like "extensive communication" or "prolonged exchange of letters" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive communication

Focuses on the broad scope or detail of the communication, rather than just its length.

prolonged exchange of letters

Specifically highlights the letter format and the extended duration of the exchange.

protracted written dialogue

Emphasizes the dialogue aspect and the written form, suggesting a more formal or academic setting.

sustained communication

Focuses on the continuity and maintenance of the communication over time.

long-running exchange

Indicates that the exchange has been ongoing for a considerable amount of time.

extended dialogue

Shortens the original phrase while maintaining the emphasis on the duration of the dialogue.

long series of communications

Highlights the multiple instances of communication that form a series.

drawn-out exchange

Implies the exchange was unnecessarily prolonged or tedious.

tedious exchange of emails

Highlights email medium along with the implication that it was unnecessarily prolonged or tedious.

overlong exchange

Implies that the exchange was excessively long.

FAQs

How can I use "lengthy correspondence" in a sentence?

You can use "lengthy correspondence" to describe a series of communications that have taken place over a considerable period. For example, "The investigation involved a "lengthy correspondence" with several key witnesses".

What's a less formal way to say "lengthy correspondence"?

If you're aiming for a less formal tone, you could use phrases like "long exchange of emails" or "lots of back-and-forth" depending on the context. These options are more conversational than "lengthy correspondence".

Is "lengthy correspondence" always about letters?

No, "lengthy correspondence" can refer to any form of communication, including emails, letters, or even faxes, as long as the communication is sustained and prolonged. You could also use "extensive communication" to be more generic.

What is the difference between "lengthy correspondence" and "brief exchange"?

"Lengthy correspondence" implies a sustained communication over time, while "brief exchange" suggests a short, concise interaction. The key difference lies in the duration and depth of the communication.