somewhat lengthy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat lengthy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is longer than usual but not excessively so, often in reference to texts, speeches, or explanations. Example: "The report was somewhat lengthy, but it provided a comprehensive overview of the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

He followed that with his somewhat lengthy -- and by now familiar -- critique of her campaign.

The New York Times

But Ms. Snider had read the book -- and she held a somewhat lengthy discussion about its filmic possibilities, according to several people familiar with the incident.

The New York Times

For example, two characters enter a somewhat lengthy discussion on the relative merits of drowning in one's own urine or vomit.

The New York Times

Making five stops at various locales in the Marshall Islands and Micronesia, with only brief stopovers, it's an interesting (and, at 14-plus hours, somewhat lengthy) opportunity to see what few casual travelers have.

The New York Times - Travel

The DCRA's Gil says different rules are necessary to allow savory food trucks to prepare for service at a parking spot, a somewhat lengthy process that ice cream and dessert trucks don't require.

The Washington Post

Although the play was based on the shocking idea of a man who seeks instant notoriety by murdering a child, the multiple perspectives offered on each scene made, as I recall, for a somewhat lengthy evening.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

And here's an example, somewhat lengthier, of why James Fallows is, too.

The New Yorker

Like its somewhat lengthier predecessors, Sara Perry's Everything Tastes Better with Bacon (2002), Pruess and Lape's Seduced by Bacon (2006), and James Villas's The Bacon Cookbook (2007), Rockmill's I Love Bacon! includes sweet dishes using bacon.

Wikipedia

With respect to the duration of absconding events in this sample, it is comparable with what has been reported in the literature, but somewhat lengthier than the data from secure hospitals in the U.K. where many patients were reported to be apprehended within minutes of fleeing [ 10].

BMC Psychiatry

His lengthy, somewhat legendary notes column runs year-round, a full 65 inches each Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Foster's lengthy, somewhat rambling monologue confused viewers who thought she was retiring from acting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat lengthy" when you want to indicate that something is longer than average, but not excessively so. It is suitable for describing texts, discussions, processes, or any duration.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat lengthy" in very informal contexts or casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal. In such cases, consider using simpler alternatives like "a bit long" or "fairly long".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat lengthy" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing the length of a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is longer than average, but not excessively so. This is demonstrated in various contexts, such as describing a "somewhat lengthy" discussion or process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat lengthy" is a useful adjectival modifier that indicates something is longer than average, but not excessively so. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While it leans towards a neutral register, it's versatile enough for professional and academic settings. Alternatives like "moderately long" or "fairly long" can be used for similar meanings. When writing, it's best to avoid overusing "somewhat lengthy" in very informal settings to maintain an appropriate tone. Overall, "somewhat lengthy" is a reliable choice for describing duration or extent with a touch of nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately long

Emphasizes the moderate degree of length.

relatively long

Highlights the length in comparison to something else.

fairly long

A common and straightforward alternative.

quite long

Indicates a notable degree of length.

rather extended

Stresses the drawn-out nature.

appreciably long

Highlights that the length is noticeable.

noticeably long

Similar to 'appreciably long', emphasizing the evident length.

a bit lengthy

Uses "bit" to soften the description.

somewhat protracted

Replaces 'lengthy' with 'protracted', suggesting a drawn-out process.

moderately extended

Combines "moderately" with "extended" for a nuanced degree.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat lengthy" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat lengthy" to describe something that is longer than average. For example, "The presentation was somewhat lengthy, but informative."

What's a good alternative to "somewhat lengthy"?

Alternatives include "moderately long", "fairly long", or "relatively long" depending on the specific context.

Is "somewhat lengthy" formal or informal?

"Somewhat lengthy" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for professional and academic writing, but might sound a bit out of place in very casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "somewhat lengthy" over "long"?

Use "somewhat lengthy" when you want to communicate that something is longer than usual without being excessively long. It adds a nuance that "long" alone might not convey.