long string of words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long string of words" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence of words that is lengthy or convoluted, often implying that it may be difficult to understand or follow. Example: "The author's explanation was a long string of words that left the readers confused and searching for clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When using the search box, try using the Enter/Return key between words to create separate search terms, rather than searching for a single long string of words.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When Mr. Shum shows ways that Bing outperforms Google, it tends to be around search queries with long strings of words, or deep catalogs of information (including over 3,600 ways to misspell Arnold Schwarzenegger's name, for example).

The New York Times

Roya (Lily Balsen) is a relatively passive and opaque presence; we mostly hear from the officers (both played by Abraham Makany) and from Paul Jay Pattersonn), who spends a lot of time stepping outside the scene and listing long strings of words detailing the peculiar things around him ("Screeching of taxiing American cargo jets... Brats playing at the feet of pilgrims in black burqas").

The New York Times

Socrates' humour in the Cratylus is at least partly directed at his own uncharacteristic boldness in declaiming long strings of word derivations, contrary to his familiar disavowal of expert knowledge about anything.

SEP

"Living" stars Mr. Sigarev's wife, Yana Troyanova, an actress who manages to be simultaneously repugnant and luminous, and so at home in small-town Russia that, as The Moscow News put it recently, "Even a long string of curse words can suddenly turn poetic".

The New York Times

Visitors to the Office of New York City's Chief Medical Examiner are greeted by a long string of Latin words mounted on the lobby wall.

Huffington Post

After you click "Submit Documents for the First Time," you'll get a long string of random words like "gamble shark rent enough verify temporary regal," or something like that.

Vice

A major on duty at the river port greeted visitors with a long string of colorful swear words.

The New York Times

People often think that a short password of random characters such as "+*4F 0$"  is super secure, but actually a long string of combined random words such as "ferrarimonkeydatemonger" is actually far stronger.

TechCrunch

Nearly every page was like this: long strings of purple words fading into nothingness with the passage of time.

Columbia University

I wonder if Shostakovich had in mind Haydn's "Seven Last Words of Christ" when he wrote his long string of slow movements at the end.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long string of words", ensure the context provides clarity. If possible, break down the phrase or sentence for better readability.

Common error

Avoid using "long string of words" when simpler phrasing suffices. Brevity enhances clarity and keeps your audience engaged. Use "concise language" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long string of words" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as an object or complement, describing a piece of text or speech characterized by its length and complexity. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from legal documents to casual explanations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long string of words" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes a sequence of words characterized by length and potential complexity. While it can appear in diverse contexts like news media, academia, and science, it's crucial to use it judiciously, opting for simpler phrasing when clarity is paramount. Alternatives like "lengthy explanation" or "rambling discourse" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. Ultimately, mastering the phrase involves understanding when its descriptive power outweighs the need for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthy sequence of terms

Focuses on the sequential aspect, highlighting the terms being presented at length.

extended series of expressions

Emphasizes the expanded nature of the series, using "expressions" to highlight verbal output.

prolonged succession of phrases

Underscores the continuous, drawn-out quality of the sequence using "succession" and "phrases".

rambling discourse

Suggests the sequence lacks a clear structure or focus, with "rambling" indicating a lack of direction.

circuitous explanation

Implies the explanation is indirect and roundabout, not getting straight to the point.

convoluted articulation

Highlights the complexity and difficulty in understanding the way something is expressed.

protracted verbalization

Draws attention to the extended duration of the spoken expression.

never-ending litany

Suggests a repetitive and tedious list, often conveying a sense of monotony.

tortuous chain of verbiage

Emphasizes the winding, difficult, and potentially confusing nature of the wordy expression.

wordy explanation

Focuses on excessive use of words, making it verbose and potentially unclear.

FAQs

How can I use "long string of words" in a sentence?

You can use "long string of words" to describe explanations, descriptions, or any form of communication that uses many words, often in a complicated or confusing way. For example: "The legal document contained a "long string of words" that was difficult to understand".

What are some alternatives to "long string of words"?

Alternatives include "lengthy explanation", "rambling discourse", or "convoluted language". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "long string of words"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the excessive or complicated nature of the language being used. However, consider whether a simpler phrasing would be clearer for your audience. If you want to criticize the use of an unnecessarily "lengthy explanation" or an overly "rambling discourse" the expression is perfect.

What is the difference between "long string of words" and "wordy"?

"Wordy" generally describes something that uses more words than necessary. "Long string of words" specifically refers to an extended sequence, which may or may not be unnecessary but is often perceived as complex or difficult to follow.