long-winded

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "long-winded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who speaks or writes in a verbose and overly detailed manner. For example, "My professor's lectures are always long-winded; she never seems to get to the point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 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

The setup is long-winded.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

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

The Economist

So, the long winded way to segway to video.

TechCrunch

I'm answering in a long winded way right?

TechCrunch

"There's not room for long winded answers," she said.

Huffington Post

Nothing long winded from me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long-winded" in your writing, consider whether a more concise and direct alternative might be more effective. While it accurately conveys the idea of excessive verbosity, clarity is key.

Common error

While "long-winded" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or professional writing where more sophisticated synonyms like "verbose" or "prolix" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-winded" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something (like a speech or writing) that is excessively lengthy and uses more words than necessary. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long-winded" is a common and grammatically correct adjective used to describe something that is excessively lengthy and verbose. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for general use, although more formal alternatives exist. While "long-winded" appears frequently in news and media, it's essential to consider the context and audience to ensure the most appropriate word choice. Keep in mind that while precise, directly labeling someone "long-winded" can be impolite. Strive for clarity and conciseness in your own writing, and avoid being, well, "long-winded"!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly detailed

Directly points out the excess of details provided.

wordy

Focuses on the excessive number of words used.

verbose

Implies using more words than necessary; more formal.

rambling

Suggests a lack of clear direction or focus in speech or writing.

garrulous

Suggests excessive talkativeness, often about trivial matters.

loquacious

Similar to garrulous, but can also imply fluency and ease in speaking.

circuitous

Describes an indirect and lengthy way of expressing something.

prolix

Implies tedious lengthiness and verbosity; more formal and less common.

diffuse

Lacking clarity or conciseness.

tedious

Focuses on the boring and tiresome quality of the lengthiness.

FAQs

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

You can use "long-winded" to describe someone or something that is tediously lengthy in speaking or writing. For example, "The presentation was so "long-winded" that many attendees lost interest."

What's a more formal alternative to "long-winded"?

In formal contexts, consider using synonyms like "verbose", "prolix", or "circumlocutory". These words convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

Is it appropriate to call someone "long-winded"?

While accurate, calling someone "long-winded" directly can be perceived as impolite. It's often better to describe their speech or writing as "overly detailed" or "lacking conciseness".

What is the difference between "long-winded" and "rambling"?

"Long-winded" describes something that uses too many words, while "rambling" suggests a lack of clear focus or direction. A speech can be both "long-winded" and "rambling" if it uses many words without a clear point.