long spoke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long spoke" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a commonly used expression and may confuse readers. Example: "He long spoke of his adventures in distant lands."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Like the Sling Shot, Zenobio sends you high in the air, but you're in a basket on the end of a long spoke, and there appeared to be far too much somersaulting included for respectable people to tolerate.

The New York Times

Long spoke from experience.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Long spoke after a meeting of a W.T.O.

The New York Times

Long "spoke so directly to the people, and that is Donald Trump's appeal," Richard D. White, the author of "Kingfish: The Reign of Huey P. Long," told the Boston Globe.

The New Yorker

MJ Long spoke to Kitaj a week or so before his suicide, and recalls how he seemed more depressed than ever by his growing frailty, the debilitations of Parkinson's, and suggesting he was finding it difficult to paint.

The Guardian - Arts

And although the UK government long spoke of the importance of maintaining its triple-A status, when it was downgraded for the first time in more than 30 years, economists suggested that it would have limited impact.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I. Law Song Law makes long spokes of the short stakes of.

The New Yorker

Law Song Law makes long spokes of the short stakes of View Article By Phil Klay By John Cassidy By Larissa MacFarquhar By Rivka Galchen.

The New Yorker

This program has several numbers, including one that involves a 10-foot hula hoop and another that has a woman seated in a round half-shell rotated by long spokes.

The New York Times

Long, spoke-shaped districts stretch into the suburbs, particularly south and southwest, surrounding Chicago like a bicycle wheel.

The New York Times

Safely re-elected, President Obama at long last spoke bluntly about the Faustian deals struck by his predecessor, some of them cravenly continued by his own administration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using more standard phrases like "spoke at length" or "spoke for a long time" instead of "long spoke" to ensure clarity and avoid grammatical ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "long spoke" as a substitute for "spoke at length" or "spoke for a long time", as it is not a recognized grammatical construction. This error often stems from trying to compress the expression, which ends up sacrificing clarity and correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long spoke" functions as a verb phrase intended to describe the act of speaking for an extended duration. However, its non-standard grammatical structure makes its function unclear, as highlighted by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long spoke" is used to describe someone speaking for an extended period. However, Ludwig AI flags it as potentially incorrect. While there are examples in news and media, it's not considered standard English. For clarity and grammatical correctness, it is recommended to use alternatives like "spoke at length" or "spoke for a long time" instead. Its infrequent use and questionable grammar make it a less desirable choice for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spoke at length

Replaces "long spoke" with a more common and grammatically sound alternative, focusing on the duration of speaking.

spoke for a long time

Similar to "spoke at length" but more direct and emphasizes the duration using simpler language.

delivered a lengthy speech

Highlights the act of giving a formal speech that was notably long.

held a prolonged discussion

Shifts the focus to a discussion rather than a single person speaking, implying a back-and-forth exchange over time.

expounded at length

A more formal alternative that suggests speaking in detail and with authority.

discussed extensively

Implies a detailed examination of a topic through conversation.

held forth

Suggests someone spoke at length, often expressing strong opinions.

orated extensively

Implies a formal and elaborate style of speaking for an extended period.

chatted for hours

An informal alternative, highlighting a casual and extended conversation.

went on and on

An idiomatic expression denoting someone spoke at great length, often repetitively.

FAQs

Is "long spoke" grammatically correct?

While occasionally found in writing, "long spoke" is not considered standard English. It's better to use phrases like "spoke at length" or "spoke for a long time".

What does "long spoke" mean?

The intended meaning of "long spoke" is that someone spoke for an extended duration. However, the phrasing is not standard and can be confusing. Alternative phrases like "spoke at length" more clearly convey this meaning.

What are some alternatives to "long spoke"?

Better alternatives include "spoke at length", "spoke for a long time", or "delivered a lengthy speech", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "long spoke"?

Given that "long spoke" is not considered standard English, it's generally best to avoid using it in formal writing. In informal contexts, while it might be understood, it's still preferable to opt for clearer alternatives like "spoke for a long time".