over this length

USAGE SUMMARY

"over this length" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a span of time that is especially long when compared to other spans of time. For example, "We have been stranded here for over this length of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Certainly there are at least two writers in this trial week - Rowan Joffe and Matthew Parkhill - who would be worth trying out over this length again.

The Guardian

Here a wall plate is generally used only with a top heading method, where it serves to support arch ribs both in the top heading and also where the bench is being excavated by spanning over this length until posts can be inserted beneath.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Northern Cape team surveyed a 2km stretch of desert, adjacent to the our chosen track, to give us an indication of vertical variation over this length.

BBC

Mice had been held for 2 4 weeks before odours were first collected; odours collected from conspecifics housed in this way and over this length of time elicited normal investigative and countermarking responses from conspecifics [19].

Plosone

Over this length the bed width of the ditch should be gradually increased to 3 metres.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Inclusion of these cases would reduce the average speed over this length of time.

Acta Orthopaedica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

By tracking the energy of the surrounding wave field over this length-scale, they could immediately calculate the probability of a rogue wave developing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Then for any x, y ∈ M, the Riemannian distance d ( x, y ), which includes the original topology on M, is defined by minimizing this length over the set of all such curves joining x to y.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

More than anything, it just feels like an accomplishment, because to me I think like, "OK, well, now there's a canon, now three years from now my kids can watch the adventures of this character over the course of this length of time".

Los Angeles Times

Sections b, d and f show col-0 allele frequency over this same length of chromosome.

BMC Genomics

(1) generally, substituting "twenty meters or over in length" for "three hundred gross tons and upward".

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "over this length", ensure the context clearly defines what 'length' refers to, whether it's physical distance, time, or another measurable quantity. For example, specify "over this length of the cable" or "over this length of time."

Common error

Avoid using "over this length" without a clear referent. Vague usage leaves the reader guessing what the 'length' pertains to. Always specify the unit or object being measured.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over this length" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the extent or duration across which something occurs, relating to a previously mentioned or understood measurement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "over this length" serves as a prepositional phrase used to specify spatial or temporal extent. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically sound and appropriate for diverse contexts. While its usage frequency is uncommon, it appears predominantly in scientific, academic, and news media sources. For optimal clarity, it's crucial to ensure the referent of 'length' is explicitly defined. Alternatives include phrases like "across this distance" or "through this duration", offering variations tailored to specific contexts. This careful application ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across this distance

Focuses on spatial extent rather than a general measure.

covering this distance

Suggests physical coverage of a measurable space.

along this span

Highlights continuous extension within defined boundaries.

spanning this extent

Emphasizes the coverage of a particular area or range.

over this range

Indicates a defined interval between minimum and maximum values.

through this duration

Shifts focus from physical length to a temporal period.

throughout this reach

Highlights the inclusive nature of the measure within the indicated scope.

for this stretch

Implies a continuous portion or segment being considered.

during this period

Replaces length with time frame.

for this interval

Emphasizes a specific time frame instead of physical length.

FAQs

How can I use "over this length" in a sentence?

Use "over this length" to describe something extending or occurring across a specific distance or duration. For instance, "The signal remained strong over this length of the cable" or "The experiment was conducted over this length of time".

What phrases are similar to "over this length"?

Similar phrases include "across this distance", "along this span", or "through this duration". The best choice depends on whether you are referring to physical space or time.

Is it better to say "over this length" or specify the measurement?

Specifying the measurement is often clearer. Instead of "over this length", consider "over 10 meters" or "for three weeks" if the exact measurement is known. However, if you previously mentioned the length then it's valid to use "over this length" to avoid the reiteration.

What's the difference between "over this length" and "during this period"?

"Over this length" typically refers to a spatial dimension, while "during this period" specifies a timeframe. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects what you're measuring. For example: The project spanned "during this period".