lengthy process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'lengthy process' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process that takes a particularly long time or is particularly complicated. For example, "Finding a job in a competitive market can be a lengthy process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It could be a lengthy process".

The New York Times

But it's a lengthy process.

The Guardian - Books

"Assisted suicide is a lengthy process.

The Guardian

It will be a lengthy process.

The Guardian - Sport

Consequently, reconciliation will be a lengthy process.

The Guardian

But it could be a lengthy process.

The New York Times

It can be a lengthy process".

The New York Times - Health

Hiring is a lengthy process, says Marriott.

The Guardian - Money

She is appealing, but it will be a lengthy process.

The Guardian

"This has been a lengthy process complicated by Tribune's bankruptcy".

The New York Times - Sports

2) Ethical sourcing and production is a lengthy process.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task or procedure, use "lengthy process" to convey that it requires significant time and effort. For emphasis, specify the reason for the extended duration.

Common error

Avoid using "lengthy process" excessively in highly formal documents. Opt for more precise language such as "protracted procedure" or specifying the exact duration of the process to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy process" functions as a noun phrase, where "lengthy" modifies the noun "process". Ludwig AI confirms that it's a standard and acceptable English phrase. This phrase typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lengthy process" is a noun phrase used to describe an activity or task that requires considerable time and effort. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the writing; in more formal settings, alternatives like "protracted procedure" may be more suitable. Be mindful to use "lengthy process" accurately to convey the required time and effort, avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted procedure

Replaces "lengthy" with "protracted" and "process" with "procedure", emphasizing the extended duration of a formal action.

extended duration

Focuses on the time aspect, replacing the entire phrase with a noun phrase highlighting the prolonged nature.

time-consuming endeavor

Highlights the effort required due to the time involved, using "endeavor" to suggest a significant undertaking.

drawn-out affair

Implies a negative connotation of unnecessary length, using "affair" to suggest a complex situation.

tedious undertaking

Emphasizes the boring and tiresome nature of a long process.

laborious task

Highlights the effort and difficulty associated with the time-consuming nature of the process.

long-winded operation

Suggests unnecessary complexity and detail, often with a negative connotation.

prolonged timeline

Focuses specifically on the duration of the process, suitable for project management contexts.

extensive delay

Emphasizes the delay caused by the length of the process.

gradual evolution

Highlights that the changes are happening very slowly.

FAQs

How can I replace "lengthy process" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider alternatives such as "protracted procedure", "extended duration", or "time-consuming endeavor" to maintain a professional tone.

What does "lengthy process" imply about the task?

The phrase "lengthy process" implies that a task or procedure requires significant time, effort, and resources to complete, often due to complexity or multiple stages.

Is "lengthy process" suitable for all types of writing?

While "lengthy process" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for neutral or informal contexts. In more formal or technical writing, more specific terms may be preferable.

What is the difference between "lengthy process" and "long process"?

While both phrases are similar, "lengthy process" often suggests a more complex or involved procedure compared to "long process", which simply indicates duration.