long-winded talk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long-winded talk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conversation or speech that is overly lengthy and perhaps tedious. Example: "During the meeting, his long-winded talk made it difficult for anyone to stay engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The New Yorker, June 17 , 1967P. 21 Long-winded lady talk story about filming a scene with Julie Andrews at the Algonquin.

The New Yorker

By Maeve Brennan The New Yorker, June 17 , 1967P. 21 Long-winded lady talk story about filming a scene with Julie Andrews at the Algonquin.

The New Yorker

Who would ever have thought it: that three dead, long-winded people talking about atomic physics would be electrifying companions?

The New York Times

And who would ever have thought it: that three dead, long-winded people talking about atomic physics would be such electrifying companions?

The New York Times

I generally talk in long-winded rants that may or may not end up anywhere close to where I initially intended.

Huffington Post

If you want your prescription drugs, you're sifting through some shady internet underworlds; if you want access to your latest super-food supplement, you're in the basement of an excessively beige suburban hotel dodging long-winded folk who want to talk about you entering their salt-crystal field as a metaphor for personality type.

Vice

Henderson's father described the talk as "pretty long-winded".

The New York Times - Sports

But thank heaven for telly, which was full of beautiful (but still normal-looking) American teens talking it all out, long-winded and so damn emotional, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If this seems dismayingly Marxist or just plain paranoid, then I urge you to read "The Long-Winded Lady," a collection of Maeve Brennan's "Talk of the Town" pieces for The New Yorker (reprinted last year in paperback by Mariner Books).

The New York Times - Arts

But the noun cantinflada is now defined in the authoritative Larousse Spanish dictionary as a long-winded, meaningless speech, while the verb cantinflear means to talk too much but say too little.

Los Angeles Times

Talk story about a visit by the long-winded lady to Longchamps at 12th St. and 5th Av.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "long-winded talk", consider the audience and context. If brevity is valued, aim for conciseness. If detail is needed, ensure the talk remains engaging and avoids unnecessary repetition.

Common error

Avoid equating lengthy explanations with clarity. A "long-winded talk" can obscure the main point if not structured logically and delivered engagingly. Focus on clear organization and relevant details to maintain audience interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-winded talk" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying the noun "talk" with the adjective "long-winded". It indicates the quality of the talk being excessively lengthy or verbose. Without Ludwig examples, the analysis focuses on inherent meaning.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long-winded talk" describes a speech or conversation that is excessively lengthy and potentially tedious. Because Ludwig has found no occurrences of this phrase in its corpus, it's difficult to determine the common contexts in which it's used, but analysis indicates its grammatical correctness and descriptive function. The phrase carries a generally neutral tone and is often used to express criticism or disapproval of the talk's excessive length. When writing or speaking, be mindful of the potential negative connotations and prioritize clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthy discourse

Emphasizes the extended duration and formality of the communication.

protracted conversation

Highlights the extended duration of the conversation.

long-drawn-out discussion

Stresses the excessive length and potential weariness of the discussion.

Rambling speech

Implies a lack of clear focus or direction in the talk.

verbose discussion

Focuses on the use of many words, potentially unnecessarily.

tedious monologue

Suggests the talk is boring and overly long.

windy oration

Implies the talk is elaborate and perhaps unnecessarily complex.

overly detailed explanation

Highlights the excessive level of detail provided.

circumlocutory explanation

Highlights the indirect and roundabout nature of the explanation.

digressive dialogue

Points out the tendency to stray from the main topic.

FAQs

How can I avoid giving a "long-winded talk"?

Plan your points in advance, stick to the core message, and avoid unnecessary tangents. Practice summarizing your key ideas concisely. Getting feedback from a trusted colleague or friend can also help.

What are some signs that my talk is becoming "long-winded"?

Signs include losing your audience's attention, repeating points without adding new information, and noticing glazed-over expressions. It's a good idea to observe audience cues and adjust your delivery accordingly.

Are there situations where a "long-winded talk" might be appropriate?

In some academic or legal settings, a detailed, comprehensive explanation may be necessary and expected. However, even in these cases, strive for clarity and logical structure to prevent the talk from becoming tedious. Remember to think about the listener's expectations.

What can I say instead of "long-winded talk"?

You can use alternatives like "lengthy discourse", "protracted conversation", or "rambling speech" depending on the context.