too lengthy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too lengthy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate when something is taking more time, effort, or words than necessary. For example, "This email is too lengthy – let's keep our communications short and to the point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Too lengthy?

The New York Times

The jellyfish activity log grew too lengthy to ignore.

The New York Times - Science

The amended complaint is too lengthy for detailed summarization in this opinion.

Cornell University

Current tools that assess health literacy skills are too lengthy to be useful in routine clinical encounters.

Ambulatory Pediatrics

Even earlier, he contemplated creating an alphabet of Rayographs (photograms) but gave up the idea as too lengthy.

Princeton University

A list of those who mourn his passing would be too lengthy to list.

The New York Times

British Conservatives have criticized the proceeding as too lengthy and expensive.

The New York Times

Lawyers, charities, refugee and medical groups argue that this process remains too lengthy and too complex.

The Guardian

"Not one thought her months-long maternity leave was too lengthy.

The New Yorker

But Mr Vajpayee thought the process would be too lengthy and would be plagued by legal challenges.

The Economist

The interviews are fascinating, though too lengthy and far too many to take in on one visit.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "too lengthy", consider if there's a more concise synonym that maintains the tone and clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "too lengthy" in highly informal conversations; simpler terms like "too long" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too lengthy" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun by indicating that it exceeds a reasonable or acceptable length. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too lengthy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that is excessively long. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, though often favored in more formal or professional settings. While synonyms like "excessively long" or "overly extended" exist, understanding the subtle nuances can help refine your writing. Keep in mind that in very casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "too long" might be more suitable. By considering the specific needs of your communication goals, it’s possible to use "too lengthy" effectively and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively long

Emphasizes the excessiveness of the length.

unduly prolonged

Highlights the unnecessary extension of time or duration.

overly extended

Focuses on the excessive stretching or expansion.

inordinately long

Stresses that the length is beyond what is normal or reasonable.

unnecessarily protracted

Indicates that the length is longer than required or useful.

needlessly drawn out

Implies the length could have been shorter without negative consequences.

tediously long

Conveys that the length is boring or tiresome.

prohibitively long

Highlights that the length is so great as to discourage use.

unacceptably long

Indicates the length is beyond what is tolerable.

overlong

A more concise way of saying "too lengthy".

FAQs

What does "too lengthy" mean?

The phrase "too lengthy" means that something is excessively long, either in duration, size, or complexity. It suggests that the length is undesirable or impractical.

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

You can use "too lengthy" to describe various things. For example: "The report was "too lengthy" and difficult to understand" or "The meeting became "too lengthy", so many attendees left early".

What are some alternatives to "too lengthy"?

Alternatives to "too lengthy" include "excessively long", "unduly prolonged", or "overly extended depending on the context".

Is it better to say "too long" or "too lengthy"?

While both "too long" and "too lengthy" are correct, "too lengthy" is often perceived as more formal. "Too long" is generally suitable for everyday conversation, whereas "too lengthy" is appropriate in formal writing or professional settings.