of different lengths

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of different lengths" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe two or more items that are not the same size or have different amounts. For example: "The children's hair was of different lengths - some in long braids, others in messy bobs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I think we should do series of different lengths.

The Guardian

But how do full, ladylike skirts of different lengths fit into the whole picture?

The New York Times

It involves several pieces of rope that appear to be of different lengths, then shift tantalizingly into three identical pieces.

The New York Times

Among people with hip arthritis, those with severe cases were also more likely to have legs of different lengths.

The New York Times - Health

That's why it makes sense to open up social tenancies and offer a range of different lengths to new tenants.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Words of different lengths," he observed, "like cat, table and hippopotamus, are processed in my head at a different rate.

The New Yorker

The two branches that result may be equal in length or may be of different lengths.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of my songs featured verses of different lengths or with different melodies.

The New York Times

Pauses of different lengths meant different things.

Forbes

Popsicle sticks and tongue depressors of different lengths.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Variations of the test just attempt to match snippets of different lengths.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing items or objects with length variations, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and compared using the phrase "of different lengths".

Common error

Avoid using "of different lengths" when the intent is to describe other attributes such as height, width, or duration. Using the right attribute enhances clarity and avoids confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of different lengths" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun by describing a quality or characteristic related to the length. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of different lengths" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that serves to describe variations in the size or duration of objects or segments. As Ludwig AI highlights, this expression is correct and versatile, fitting seamlessly into various contexts from scientific articles to everyday descriptions. Its prevalence across diverse sources, including science, news media, and encyclopedias, underscores its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies what is being measured and compared to maintain clarity and avoid potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of various lengths

Replaces "different" with "various", emphasizing the variety in lengths.

of varied lengths

Substitutes "different" with "varied", highlighting the diverse nature of the lengths.

of other lengths

Uses "other" instead of "different", suggesting alternative lengths are available.

of differing lengths

Replaces "different" with "differing", providing a more formal tone.

of several lengths

Uses "several" instead of "different", indicating multiple lengths are present.

of multiple lengths

Replaces "different" with "multiple", focusing on the numerous lengths involved.

of distinct lengths

Substitutes "different" with "distinct", emphasizing the unique nature of each length.

of diverse lengths

Uses "diverse" instead of "different", highlighting the wide range of lengths.

with varying lengths

Changes the structure to focus on the lengths as a characteristic that varies.

with a range of lengths

Emphasizes the existence of a spectrum or variety of lengths.

FAQs

How can I use "of different lengths" in a sentence?

You can use "of different lengths" to describe objects or segments that vary in their linear dimension, for instance: "The ropes were "of different lengths", which made them suitable for various tasks."

What are some alternatives to saying "of different lengths"?

Alternatives include "of various lengths", "of varied lengths", or "with varying lengths", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "of different length" instead of "of different lengths"?

No, it is generally incorrect. "Of different lengths" is used to describe multiple items, each having its own length. "Of different length" would only be correct if you were referring to different types or standards of a single length.

How does the choice between "of different lengths" and "varying in length" affect a sentence?

"Of different lengths" is a direct descriptor, while "varying in length" emphasizes the action or state of changing. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the difference itself or the aspect of variation.