short in length

USAGE SUMMARY

"short in length" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe any physical or temporal object that is relatively small or condensed when compared to its peers. For example, "This essay is only two pages long; it is quite short in length."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Short in length, high on impact, short films are a marvel of concertinaed time and distilled characters.

The Guardian

Randomized placebo treatment should therefore be relatively short in length.

Nature

On average, transmissions were decoded correctly about 50-60% of the time if short in length.

Cornell University

By the standards of your typical Government document it is mercifully short in length and remarkably free of jargon.

Independent

Existing intergroup harmony programs have been short in length with little long-term evaluation of their true effectiveness.

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology

Its selections, short in length but generous in quantity and spirit, appeal to churchgoers and those who grew up singing hymns around the piano.

The New York Times

The novels will distinguish themselves by being short in length (about 30,000 words a title) so they may be discreetly appreciated on mobile devices.

The New York Times

When the beam is short in length direction, shear deformation is a factor that may have biggish effect on system dynamics.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

His team found that shifts in conversation as short in length as a few tenths of a second could provide insight into whether someone was likely to develop Alzheimer's.

MIT Technology Review

The Puysegur subduction zone, south of New Zealand at ~600 km long62 is relatively short in length and has generally been considered unable to support a 9.0 MW earthquake, with maximum possible estimates of <8.5MW63.

Nature

Although we focused on full-length genomes, a minor portion was relatively short in length, or many unidentified "N" bases were included, partly because of the stringent sterilization treatment obligated by the local government3.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, ensure that using "short in length" is the most precise way to convey the size. Consider if other terms like "compact" or "small" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

While "short in length" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more concise and precise alternatives like "brief" or "compact" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "short in length" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a noun, indicating that it has a small or reduced extension. This is supported by the Ludwig examples where it modifies nouns like "films", "transmissions" and "beams".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "short in length" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something with limited physical or temporal extent. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, particularly prevalent in scientific, academic, and news contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more concise alternatives in highly formal settings. Common related phrases include "brief in extent" and "compact in size". Remember to use "short in length" where it precisely conveys the small size or duration you intend to describe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief in extent

Replaces "short" with "brief" and "length" with "extent", offering a slightly more formal tone.

compact in size

Substitutes "short" with "compact" and "length" with "size", emphasizing reduced dimensions.

limited in duration

Focuses on time rather than physical length, suitable for processes or events.

small in measurement

Highlights the quantitative aspect of length, using "small" and "measurement".

abbreviated in dimension

Employs "abbreviated" to suggest a shortened form and "dimension" for a formal nuance.

concise in linear measure

Uses "concise" to imply brevity and "linear measure" for precision.

diminutive in reach

Emphasizes reduced reach or scope, replacing "short" with "diminutive".

curtailed in range

Suggests a deliberate reduction in length or scope, using "curtailed".

reduced in distance

Focuses on the distance aspect, using "reduced" to indicate a decrease.

lacking in longitude

Emphasizes the deficiency in length, using "lacking" and "longitude".

FAQs

What does "short in length" mean?

The phrase "short in length" describes something that has a small physical or temporal extent. It indicates that the object or duration being discussed is relatively brief or compact.

How can I use "short in length" in a sentence?

You can use "short in length" to describe various things. For example, "The movie was /s/brief in length, which was perfect for a quick viewing" or "The /s/concise in length cable was ideal for connecting the devices in a small space."

Which is more appropriate, "short in length" or simply "short"?

While "short" is often sufficient, "short in length" can be more precise when you specifically want to emphasize the dimension of length. However, in many cases, "short" alone is perfectly acceptable and more concise.

What are some alternatives to "short in length"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "/s/brief in extent", "/s/compact in size", or "/s/limited in duration".