long winded

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "long winded" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally speaking, it is used to describe someone or something that takes too long to say something or do something. For example: "I have to admit, his speech was a bit long winded, but he had a lot of important points to make."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Nothing long winded from me.

The Guardian

Long winded?

TechCrunch

(Though it could just be unusually long winded).

The New York Times - Arts

It's very long winded.

Vice

Use concise phrasing; avoid long winded or overly complex sentences.

The Economist

So, the long winded way to segway to video.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And the long-winded.

The New York Times - Books

He can be languid and long-winded.

The Economist

Long-winded lady overhears a conversation betw.

The New Yorker

The long-winded lady & the beggar.

The New Yorker

Nor is a long-winded speech required.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and impact, replace "long winded" phrases with more concise alternatives, particularly in professional or academic contexts.

Common error

While the phrase "long winded" is perfectly acceptable, be mindful of your audience. In casual conversations, simpler words like "wordy" or "rambling" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long winded" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is unnecessarily lengthy or detailed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long winded" is a grammatically sound adjective used to describe something unnecessarily lengthy or detailed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. Although correct, the phrase should be used judiciously: concise language is typically preferred, especially in professional and academic contexts. Consider stronger alternatives such as "verbose", "rambling", or "wordy", and be mindful of your audience when choosing the most appropriate term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verbose

This term directly implies using more words than necessary; it's a more formal synonym.

wordy

A straightforward term for using too many words.

long drawn out

This signifies something that takes more time to say or do than what is necessary.

rambling

This suggests a lack of clear direction or focus in speech or writing.

overly elaborate

This emphasizes the excessive complexity and detail.

circuitous

This describes an indirect or roundabout way of speaking or writing.

tediously detailed

This highlights the boring and unnecessarily thorough nature of the speech or writing.

prolix

A more literary term for using an excessive amount of words.

garrulous

This describes someone who is excessively talkative, often about trivial matters.

loquacious

Similar to garrulous, but not necessarily negative; it simply means talkative.

FAQs

How can I use "long winded" in a sentence?

You can use "long winded" to describe something that is lengthy and could be said or done more concisely. For instance, "His speech was so "long winded" that many people lost interest".

What can I say instead of "long winded"?

Alternatives include "verbose", "rambling", or "wordy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be concise or use a "long winded" explanation?

In most situations, conciseness is preferred. Being "long winded" can confuse your audience, or make it difficult for them to follow your train of thought. Use the most direct way of communicating your message.

What's the difference between "long winded" and "verbose"?

While both terms relate to using many words, "verbose" often implies a conscious choice of elaborate language, whereas "long winded" suggests unnecessary length and potential lack of focus.