on the long side

USAGE SUMMARY

'on the long side' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something as larger than normal or greater in extent or duration. For example, "This book is a bit on the long side, but it's worth the read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We ask that you keep it short and succinct because the last one got a little on the long side.

Huffington Post

If your neck is not on the long side kindly stick to the V neck one.

Huffington Post

I know that my first blog was on the long side, so I will try to make this one short and tasty.

Huffington Post

They're on the long side, 6 to 10 minutes each, but they don't outstay their welcome.

The New York Times - Arts

"Specifically, insider trading first on the long side, and then on the short side".

The New York Times

"Doctor Sleep" is on the long side, but it tells a very quick and nimble story.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Buffett, he said, "has a good batting average on the long side".

The New York Times

Roudier was judging at the letter "M," on the long side of the manège.

The New Yorker

On the long side, I've added Cobham, Intercontinental Hotels, Weir Group and First Choice.

The Guardian - Business

On the long side, I'm binning Man Group, Skyepharma and Headlam for now.

The Guardian - Business

That was, as Roger's conversations with her went, on the long side; weeks passed without his seeing Pilar at all.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing dimensions or sizes, use "on the long side" to indicate something is slightly larger than average or expected. It adds a subtle nuance compared to simply saying "long."

Common error

Avoid using "on the long side" when precision is necessary. If you have exact measurements, provide them instead of using this more general descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the long side" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate direction, extent, or position. It specifies a particular aspect or condition relative to length or size, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the long side" is a grammatically sound and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is larger, longer, or more extensive than average or expected. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in various contexts, ranging from describing the duration of a movie to specifying a position in financial trading. While versatile, remember to use it judiciously, opting for more precise language when exact measurements are available. Top authoritative sources include The New York Times, Forbes, and Huffington Post. Consider using synonyms like "somewhat lengthy" or "a bit extended" for variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat lengthy

Focuses on the duration or length, emphasizing it's more than expected.

a bit extended

Highlights the extension in length or time, suggesting a marginal increase.

rather prolonged

Emphasizes duration, implying the length is more than desirable or typical.

on the larger end

Shifts focus to size or quantity, implying a greater amount or dimension.

slightly oversized

Indicates the item is bigger than the standard or expected size.

somewhat protracted

Stresses the duration, implying it's longer and perhaps tedious.

a tad longish

Uses a more informal tone to express something is slightly long.

a little drawn out

Emphasizes the extended nature, potentially suggesting it's unnecessarily long.

relatively extensive

Highlights the broad scope or reach, implying a greater range.

comparatively long

Directly compares the length to a reference point, stating it's longer.

FAQs

How can I use "on the long side" in a sentence?

You can use "on the long side" to describe something that is slightly larger or longer than average. For example, "That movie was a bit "on the long side", but it was still enjoyable."

What's a more formal alternative to "on the long side"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "somewhat lengthy" or "relatively extensive", depending on the specific context. These alternatives offer a similar meaning but with a more professional tone.

Is it appropriate to use "on the long side" in academic writing?

While "on the long side" is grammatically correct, it may be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Assess the specific requirements of your writing and consider using more precise language if necessary.

What does "on the long side" mean in investing?

In investing, "on the long side" refers to holding a position where you profit if the asset's price increases. It's the opposite of being "short", where you profit if the price decreases.