tremendous length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tremendous length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very long, whether in physical dimensions, duration, or metaphorical context. Example: "The novel was of tremendous length, spanning over a thousand pages and taking me weeks to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Their tremendous length was made acceptable by the often lighthearted nature of virelai texts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Van Orman gets his tremendous length from a "deep set," the sharp cocking of the wrists before impact.

The New York Times

"The contractor argued at tremendous length and almost wept," Cortissoz wrote, "but McKim was harder than the Numidian itself".

The New York Times

He can shoot from deep, has become more and more comfortable attacking the basket, and always has tremendous length at his disposal on the boards and at the defensive end.

The New York Times

"Bentham is repelled by gay sex, yet on principles of natural equality he's compelled to argue at tremendous length and detail that 'sodomites,' as he called them, have an absolute right to do as they please with their bodies," Mr. Dabhoiwala said.

The New York Times - Books

Utah Jazz: Sergey Karasev, SF - Triumph Moscow (Russia) Why It's A Fit: The Jazz already have Gordon Heyward at the 3, but Karasev is another terrific shooter who could also play the 2, giving Utah tremendous length.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

SO the authorities go to tremendous lengths -- through propaganda and through cash payments -- to appease unemployed workers and the army.

The New York Times

"Epic is an overused word in tennis, particularly in this era of extraordinary defence when rallies and finals routinely extend to tremendous lengths," it writes.

The Guardian - Sport

Epic is an overused word in tennis, particularly in this era of extraordinary defense when rallies and finals routinely extend to tremendous lengths.

The New York Times - Sports

She enrolled in the Cordon Bleu cooking school and decided on a mission to convey its secrets to Americans.She went to tremendous lengths to replicate classic French dishes using ingredients and implements generally available in the United States.

The Economist

Ayyan's aspirations revolve around his son, Adi, a geeky child (even by Indian standards) afflicted with a hearing aid, a mother who only wants him to seem normal and a father who will go to tremendous lengths to have him seem anything but.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tremendous length" to emphasize not just that something is long, but that its length is particularly noteworthy or impressive. For instance, describe a film as having "tremendous length" if its extended runtime significantly impacts the viewing experience.

Common error

Avoid using "tremendous length" in situations where 'long' or 'great' would suffice. Reserve it for scenarios where the length genuinely contributes to the significance or impact of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tremendous length" functions as a descriptive attribute, typically modifying a noun to emphasize that something has a notable or significant length. This use is supported by Ludwig, which indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. For instance, it can describe the physical dimension of an object, the duration of an event, or the extent of an argument.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tremendous length" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes something of noteworthy or impressive length. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for describing physical dimensions, durations, or extents, particularly in contexts where the length is significant. While versatile, its usage is most common in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To avoid overuse, it's best reserved for situations where the length is genuinely impactful or noteworthy. Alternatives such as "immense size" or "considerable duration" can offer more specific nuances depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense size

Focuses more on physical dimensions and magnitude.

considerable duration

Emphasizes the length of time something lasts.

significant extent

Highlights the degree or scope of something.

substantial period

Refers to a notable amount of time.

vast expanse

Implies a large and open area.

great magnitude

Focuses on the importance and scale of something.

remarkable stretch

Highlights an unusually long distance or period.

extensive reach

Suggests a wide influence or coverage.

prolonged time

Emphasizes that an event, or situation lasted for a long time.

inordinate size

Highlights the excessive or disproportionate nature of the size.

FAQs

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

You can use "tremendous length" to describe physical objects, time periods, or even arguments that are notably long. For instance: "The bridge was of "tremendous length", spanning several miles." Or: "The debate continued at "tremendous length", with neither side willing to concede."

What are some alternatives to "tremendous length"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "immense size", "considerable duration", or "significant extent".

Is it appropriate to use "tremendous length" in formal writing?

Yes, "tremendous length" is appropriate for formal writing, but it's crucial to ensure the tone and emphasis align with the context. In less formal contexts, using more casual alternatives like "very long" or "really long" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "tremendous length" and "great length"?

"Tremendous length" emphasizes the impressiveness or significance of the length, whereas "great length" simply indicates that something is long. For instance, you might say a speech was delivered at "great length" to simply state it was long, but you'd say a scientific paper went to "tremendous length" to analyze a certain trend to emphasize the thoroughness.