lengthy sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "lengthy sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a sentence that is very long or detailed. For example, "The lengthy sentence described all the details of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He believed that the lengthy sentence "triggered everything.

The New Yorker

A lengthy sentence sends a message about the consequences of committing such a monstrous crime".

Independent

But, like General Dahl, he doesn't believe he should go to jail for a lengthy sentence.

Independent

Based on the trial testimony, Roberts made very detailed findings to support Ball's lengthy sentence.

The Washington Post

But she was glad at the lengthy sentence, felt again the mightiness of the law.

The New Yorker

The same judge who found Mr. Khodorkovsky guilty will now decide whether to impose a second, potentially lengthy, sentence.

The New York Times

Justicia!" erupted when she pronounced the lengthy sentence and ordered General Ríos Montt to begin serving it immediately.

The New York Times

"Still, there is a real question whether such a lengthy sentence is warranted for an insider trading offender".

The New York Times

Three years later, Manning was convicted on multiple charges, including violating the Espionage Act, and received a lengthy sentence.

The Washington Post

This lengthy sentence is a remarkably cogent expression of the theory of revolution that developed in early modern political thought.

The Washington Post

The punishment could range from forgiveness and deportation to a lengthy sentence in prison with hard labor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lengthy sentence", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to the duration of imprisonment or the complexity/length of a written sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "lengthy sentence" when you actually mean a harsh or severe punishment, as "lengthy" specifically refers to duration, not the impact of the sentence. Instead use "severe penalty" or "harsh sentence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy sentence" functions as a noun phrase, where "lengthy" is an adjective modifying the noun "sentence". It typically refers to an extended period of imprisonment, as supported by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lengthy sentence" is a common and grammatically correct term, predominantly used in news and media to describe a long duration of imprisonment. While it can also refer to a long and complex written sentence, its primary association is with legal consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and understood in this context, and careful attention should be paid to the specific context to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lengthy term of imprisonment

Emphasizes the duration of the jail or prison sentence.

Extensive sentence

Indicates the sentence is comprehensive or detailed.

Considerable sentence

Highlights the significant length or impact of the sentence.

Significant sentence

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the sentence.

Extended prison term

Focuses specifically on the duration of imprisonment.

Long incarceration period

Highlights the duration of confinement.

Protracted imprisonment

Highlights the long and drawn-out nature of the confinement.

Severe penalty

Emphasizes the harshness of the punishment, not just the length.

Substantial jail time

Implies a considerable amount of time spent in jail.

Harsh judgment

Focuses on the severity of the verdict.

FAQs

What does "lengthy sentence" mean?

A "lengthy sentence" typically refers to a long duration of imprisonment or, less commonly, to a sentence in writing that is very long and complex.

What are some synonyms for "lengthy sentence" when referring to imprisonment?

When referring to imprisonment, you can use alternatives such as "extended prison term", "long incarceration period", or "substantial jail time".

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

You might say, "The defendant received a "lengthy sentence" for the crime", indicating they will be imprisoned for a long time. Or, "The judge handed down a "lengthy sentence" detailing the reasons for the verdict."

What's the difference between "lengthy sentence" and "harsh penalty"?

"Lengthy sentence" refers to the duration of the sentence, while "harsh penalty" refers to the severity of the punishment, which might include a long sentence, but also other factors like fines or restrictions.