look how long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look how long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to draw attention to the length of something, often in a context where the length is surprising or noteworthy. Example: "Look how long the line is at the amusement park today!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Look how long it is".

The New York Times - Magazine

But look how long that sentence is.

The Guardian - Film

"But look how long that took.

The New York Times

"Look how long it takes to get snow removed".

The New Yorker

Look how long Zinnemann waited to play the reveal".

The New York Times

Look how long it took to do something about Indigenous rights and the apology.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Find Out: How Closely Do You Need to Follow Food Expiration Dates? 2. At the meat counter ask for the freshest cuts: The meat behind the counter may look good (and chances are it probably is), but you can't tell by looking how long it has been on display.

Huffington Post

And I said to him, "Julian, just look and see how long it goes before the audience responds".

The New York Times - Arts

Take a really good look at yourself to see how long your hair is.

WikiHow

In other words, Starr says, "if you hand me a baby, I can't look at how long it looks at some dots and predict its SAT scores in high school".

Science Magazine

It looked pretty OK but quite a mess if you look at how long the tyres last.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look how long" to draw attention to a duration, particularly when it's surprisingly long or relevant to the context. For example, "Look how long it took to get the project approved!"

Common error

Avoid using "look how long" when a direct comparison is needed but missing. Instead of saying "Look how long", clarify the comparison: "Look how long this process took compared to the initial estimate."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look how long" functions as an exclamatory phrase used to draw attention to the duration or length of something. It often implies surprise or emphasis on the perceived length, either positively or negatively. As stated by Ludwig AI, it’s usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look how long" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the duration or length of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to draw attention to time spans, often with an implied sense of surprise or significance. When using the phrase, ensure the context is clear and the implied comparison is evident to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "note the length of time" or "see how much time" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

check the length

More direct and focuses on the physical length or duration.

see how much time

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly different emphasis on the amount of time.

take note of the duration

A more formal way of asking someone to pay attention to how long something lasts.

note the length of time

Highlights the passage of time, more formal.

notice the time elapsed

Emphasizes the passing of time.

observe the duration

Formal alternative emphasizing observation of a time period.

realize how much time has passed

Highlights the realization of a significant amount of time passing.

consider the timeline

Focuses on the sequence and duration of events.

reflect on the period

More contemplative and emphasizes a specific duration.

behold its length

More dramatic and emphasizes the impressive size or duration.

FAQs

How can I use "look how long" in a sentence?

Use "look how long" to emphasize the duration or length of something, often when it's surprisingly long or noteworthy. For example: "Look how long it took to get the baggage system working at the airport."

What are some alternatives to "look how long"?

Alternatives include phrases like "see how much time", "note the length of time", or "check the length", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "look how long"?

Yes, "look how long" is grammatically correct and widely used in spoken and written English to draw attention to the length of something.

In what contexts is "look how long" commonly used?

"Look how long" is frequently used in news and media, as well as in informal conversations, to highlight the duration of events, processes, or achievements.