said at length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "said at length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has spoken or written extensively about a topic. Example: "In his lecture, the professor said at length about the implications of climate change on global economies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"O.K.," he said at length.

The New Yorker

"He had such chaos inside him," she said at length.

The New Yorker

"He's not here, is he?" she said at length.

The New Yorker

"Suppose I suppose," she said, at length, "that God does not exist.

The New Yorker

What to say about Apple Music that hasn't already been said at length – not least in our in-depth review?

The Guardian - Tech

And as RTD has said, at length in the past, it is buck-passing middlemen who will be there signing off the end of days, rather than angry teenagers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"OK," he says at length.

The Guardian - Travel

As Ms Strouse says at length, and H.W. Brands says in brief in his short essays on 25 American "entrepreneurial giants", Morgan did not believe in free markets.

The Economist

He is forced to say, at length, "America has killed me".

Vice

Tells about what he said (at some length) and about preparations made for the conference, which was just for A.P. aditors.

The New Yorker

Speaking out for the first time since his name was linked to the phone-hacking scandal through the "for Neville" email, Mr Thurlbeck said: "At the length, truth will out.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, consider whether the detail implied by "said at length" is truly necessary. Alternatives like "explained" or "discussed" might suffice if brevity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "said at length" repeatedly in close proximity. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your phrasing with synonyms or different sentence structures to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "said at length" functions as a verb phrase followed by a prepositional phrase, modifying the verb "said" to indicate the manner in which something was communicated. It emphasizes the detail and duration of the speech or writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used correctly and is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "said at length" is a grammatically sound and acceptable phrase used to indicate detailed and prolonged communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it is found in various contexts, especially in news and media. Consider alternatives like "discussed in detail" or "elaborated extensively" for variety. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure its usage aligns with the desired level of formality and emphasis on detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussed in detail

Highlights the comprehensiveness of the discussion.

went into great detail

Highlights the depth of information provided.

elaborated extensively

Focuses on the act of expanding on a topic with significant detail.

provided a comprehensive account

Emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the account given.

thoroughly explained

Focuses on the completeness and clarity of the explanation.

spoke extensively about

Emphasizes the act of speaking at length regarding a specific subject.

commented exhaustively

Highlights that the comments were comprehensive and covered all relevant aspects.

dwelt upon at length

Indicates a prolonged focus or lingering on a particular point.

expatiated on the subject

A more formal way of saying someone spoke or wrote at great length.

ventured a lengthy explanation

Emphasizes providing a protracted explanation

FAQs

How can I use "said at length" in a sentence?

You can use "said at length" to indicate that someone has spoken or written extensively about a topic. For example: "The lecturer "said at length" about the economic impact of the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "said at length"?

You can use alternatives like "discussed in detail", "elaborated extensively", or "spoke extensively about" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "said at length"?

While not inherently redundant, be mindful of the context. If it's already clear that the speaker provided a detailed explanation, using "said at length" might be unnecessary. Consider alternatives like "explained" or "elaborated" if conciseness is desired.

What's the difference between "said briefly" and "said at length"?

"Said briefly" implies a short and concise statement, while "said at length" indicates a detailed and prolonged explanation. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of communication duration and detail.