long epistle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long epistle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lengthy letter or written communication, often formal in nature. Example: "After receiving the long epistle from my friend, I spent the entire afternoon reading and reflecting on its contents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was, however, many other things, beginning with a long Epistle Dedicatory in the shape of a letter to Arthur Bingham Walkley, the theatre critic of the Times, who regarded Shaw as a brilliant journalist but an awful dramatist; and ending with some clever revolutionary sayings purported to be written by the central character of the comedy, John Tanner ("Member of the Idle Rich Class").

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is a long, exhaustively footnoted epistle about the psychopathology of dogshit management, a mysterious Congolese whittling African fetishes that make their way into the local church, and an interior designer vampirically feeding off the creative juices of the eccentric sisters who live at Threadbare Cottage.

The Guardian - Books

In this period several courtiers, both men and women, also began to achieve some literary success, and the genre called myittaza (epistle) first evolved, which is a long prose letter written by a monk and addressed to the king to advise him of his duties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The edrants.com blog is a poorly formed, ranting, impossibly hateful epistle no fewer than 11,000 words long.

Vice

And so I hasten to add this little epistle to the storehouse of love letters you must have received in the long course of your career as a conduit for the mystics, you beautiful, wild, fearless man.

Huffington Post

From the quiet of their monasteries, the monk Awbatha wrote a novel-like rendering of the Ten Long Jatakas and the monk Kyeegan Shingyi wrote homely, pithy, and sometimes even humorous myittaza ("epistles") from villagers to their relations in the cities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The epistle of James gnawed at me.

The New York Times

(St. Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews).

The New Yorker

Trained in public speaking by reading Epistle as altar boy.

The New Yorker

A painting of her reading a letter is titled "Epistle".

The New York Times - Arts

Your thoughtful card received to day An epistle par excellence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using the phrase "long epistle". While it can add a touch of sophistication, it may not be appropriate for informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "lengthy letter" if clarity is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "long epistle" in contexts where modern, direct language is preferred. Using it too often can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious. Instead, opt for more contemporary alternatives like "detailed letter" or "extensive communication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long epistle" functions as a noun phrase where "long" modifies the noun "epistle." It describes a specific type of written communication, namely a lengthy letter, often implying a formal or literary style. Ludwig confirms the validity of this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long epistle" refers to a lengthy and often formal letter. While grammatically sound, its use is relatively rare in modern English, with simpler alternatives like "lengthy letter" being more common. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity, noting its presence in literary and historical contexts. Due to its somewhat archaic tone, it's best suited for formal writing or when aiming for a literary effect. Be mindful of your audience and choose more accessible language if clarity is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthy letter

Replaces "epistle" with the more common term "letter", reducing the formality.

extended letter

Similar to "lengthy letter" but emphasizes the duration of writing or reading more than the content itself.

protracted correspondence

Increases the formality and suggests an ongoing exchange of letters.

extensive communication

Broadens the scope to include various forms of communication, not just written ones.

voluminous missive

Uses a more archaic term ("missive") for letter, adding a sense of historical context and formality.

lengthy communication

A more generic replacement of "epistle" with the word communication.

detailed message

Focuses on the level of detail within the written communication.

long-winded letter

Conveys a negative connotation, suggesting the letter is excessively long and perhaps tedious.

overlong letter

Expresses that the letter exceeds the required length.

extended discourse

Shifts the meaning to a formal and extended discussion, either written or spoken.

FAQs

What does "long epistle" mean?

A "long epistle" refers to a lengthy letter, often implying a formal or literary tone. The term "epistle" itself is somewhat archaic and suggests a carefully composed written communication.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "long epistle"?

The phrase "long epistle" is appropriate in formal writing, historical contexts, or when aiming for a literary style. However, in most modern contexts, a simpler term like "lengthy letter" or "detailed letter" might be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "long epistle"?

Alternatives include "lengthy letter", "extensive communication", or "detailed message". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is "long epistle" considered outdated or uncommon?

Yes, "long epistle" is relatively uncommon in contemporary usage. While grammatically correct, the term "epistle" itself is somewhat archaic, making the phrase less frequently used than more straightforward alternatives.