to such lengths

USAGE SUMMARY

"to such lengths" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the extent to which someone has gone in achieving a goal or performing an action, usually indicating that the person has gone to extreme lengths to do so. Example: The scientist went to such lengths to perfect his experiment that he skipped meals and spent sleepless nights in the laboratory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who drives Ruby to such lengths?

The New York Times

To have gone to such lengths!

The New York Times - Books

Only perfectionists go to such lengths.

The New York Times - Food

Not everyone goes to such lengths, of course.

The New York Times - Travel

They might not even need to go to such lengths.

The New Yorker

George W Bush doesn't need to go to such lengths.

The Guardian

London's super-rich Indians cannot go to such lengths.

The Economist

How many people would go to such lengths?

The New York Times

There was a uniformity, and people went to such lengths to fit in.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Distenfield says he thinks he knows why opponents may go to such lengths.

The New York Times

Why go to such lengths for a few scrawny penguin chicks with bulbous, unseeing eyes?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to such lengths" to emphasize the surprising or excessive nature of the actions taken. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting dedication or unusual effort.

Common error

Avoid using "to such lengths" when describing ordinary or expected actions. This phrase is most impactful when used to describe actions that are notably extreme or unusual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to such lengths" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent or degree to which an action is performed. It describes actions that are beyond the ordinary or expected. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to such lengths" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the extreme or unusual nature of actions taken. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media and Academic writing, highlighting dedication or extraordinary effort. When using the phrase, ensure the context warrants the implication of exceptional measures to avoid misinterpretation. You can also consider alternatives such as "to that extent" or "to such an extreme" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to such an extreme

Emphasizes the extremity of the action or situation, highlighting its departure from the norm.

to those extremes

Similar to "to such an extreme", but potentially referring to multiple extreme instances.

to spare no effort

Emphasizes the thoroughness and commitment involved in pursuing a goal, implying that all possible resources were used.

to that extent

Indicates a similar degree or scope, but is often used in comparative contexts rather than emphasizing the effort involved.

to that degree

Similar to "to that extent", focusing on the degree or intensity of an action or situation.

to pull out all the stops

Indicates using every available resource or method to achieve something, often in a decisive or urgent manner.

to go overboard

Suggests excessive action or behavior, often implying that the action was unnecessary or inappropriate.

to bend over backwards

Implies making a great effort, often to please someone or achieve a specific outcome.

to go the extra mile

Suggests exceeding expectations or making an additional effort beyond what is required.

to make every effort

Highlights the diligence or dedication put into achieving a task.

FAQs

How can I use "to such lengths" in a sentence?

Use "to such lengths" to describe situations where someone has gone to extreme or unusual measures to achieve a goal. For example, "The company went "to such lengths" to protect its reputation."

What does "to such lengths" mean?

"To such lengths" indicates that someone has taken extreme measures or made an extraordinary effort to accomplish something.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to such lengths"?

It's appropriate to use "to such lengths" when you want to emphasize the exceptional or surprising degree of effort or measures taken in a particular situation.

What are some alternatives to using "to such lengths" in writing?

Alternatives include phrases like "to that extent", "to such an extreme", or "to go overboard", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.