the length to which

USAGE SUMMARY

"the length to which" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the degree or extent of something, usually when talking about how far someone/something has gone or how much someone/something has done. For example: "I was surprised by the length to which the students had gone to in order to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But the length to which they will go to rest instead of work on their games is growing exponentially.

The New York Times - Sports

One of the things that makes minor league baseball unusual at times is the length to which teams will go to lure fans to the ballpark.

The New York Times - Sports

However, in the matlab filter function, the operand designated as the input signal (3rd argument) determines the length to which the output signal is truncated.

Stanford University

For the F.B.I. to track him, have his documents stamped "SECRET" and "CONFIDENTIAL," and study his writings is a particularly ludicrous example of the length to which its surveillance of authors has gone.

The New Yorker

The single question, then, is the constitutionality of the Utah statute, and the particular facts of the case are material only as showing the length to which the statute is held to go.

Cornell University

The length to which the trial court must go in order [p803] to select jurors who appear to be impartial is another factor relevant in evaluating those jurors' assurances of impartiality.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The lengths to which the designers went to get things right amazed him.

The Guardian - Film

The report also notes the lengths to which the state will go to stop people fleeing.

The Guardian

The lengths to which the Dergue was prepared to go soon became apparent.

The Guardian

The documents underscore the lengths to which the agrochemical company goes to protect its image.

The New York Times

The report also illuminates the lengths to which Lanza went in planning the killings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the length to which" when you want to emphasize the surprising or extreme degree to which someone has gone to achieve something. It often implies a sense of admiration, disbelief, or criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "the length to which" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "how far" or "to what extent" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the length to which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a clause specifying the degree or extent of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the length to which" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the degree or extremity of an action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable, particularly in formal contexts. While alternatives like "the extent to which" or "how far" exist, "the length to which" adds a nuanced emphasis on the surprising or considerable degree of the action. It's best suited for neutral to formal writing and less appropriate for casual conversation. The phrase is commonly found in news, media, and academic sources, highlighting its role in expressing notable degrees of effort or commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the extent to which

This alternative is very similar in meaning, focusing on the degree or scope of something.

the degree to which

This phrase directly replaces "length" with "degree", emphasizing measurement or intensity.

the point to which

This alternative focuses on a specific limit or stage that is reached.

the level to which

Similar to "degree", this emphasizes a hierarchical position or intensity.

the measure to which

This alternative highlights the quantifiable amount or extent.

how far

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the extent or degree of something.

to what extent

This phrase is a more interrogative form, often used in questions or discussions.

the range to which

This focuses on the span or scope of something, rather than a single point.

the scope to which

Similar to range, emphasizing the breadth or area covered.

the depth to which

This alternative highlights the intensity or thoroughness involved.

FAQs

How can I use "the length to which" in a sentence?

You can use "the length to which" to describe the degree or extremity of an action. For example, "I was amazed by "the length to which" she went to complete the project."

What are some alternatives to "the length to which"?

Alternatives include "the extent to which", "the degree to which", or simply "how far", depending on the context.

Is "the length to which" formal or informal?

"The length to which" leans towards the formal side. In more casual conversations, consider using simpler alternatives.

What does "the length to which" imply?

The phrase often implies surprise or emphasis on the extremity or degree of an action or effort. It suggests that someone has gone to considerable lengths.