unusually long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusually long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is longer than normal or expected. Example: The hike to the top of the mountain was unusually long, lasting well into the evening.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The book had an unusually long gestation.

The New Yorker

(Though it could just be unusually long winded).

The New York Times - Arts

The voyage was unusually long, the seas turbulent.

The New Yorker

The tiny bubbles impart energy and an unusually long aftertaste.

The New York Times

Unusually long for wines made purely from meunier.

The New York Times - Food

So what contributed to their unusually long lives?

The New York Times

Here she provides an unusually long and detailed description.

The Guardian - Books

There were also unusually long delays between courses.

The New York Times

The unusually long eight-week campaign will magnify any stumbles.

The Guardian

Smaug's body, as del Toro had imagined it, was unusually long and thin.

The New Yorker

Unbeknown to you, the reader, this column took an unusually long time to finish.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unusually long", consider whether a more specific adjective might provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of "unusually long delay", you might say "protracted delay" or "extended delay".

Common error

Avoid using "unusually long" in overly casual or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "really long" or "extra long" might be more appropriate. Choose vocabulary that suits the context and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusually long" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective, serving to describe nouns by indicating that they possess a length or duration that deviates from the norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

36%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unusually long" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something exceeding normal length or duration. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various writing contexts, with particularly high usage in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, consider if a more specific descriptor would improve clarity, and avoid overuse in informal contexts where simpler terms might be more appropriate. Alternatives like "exceptionally lengthy" or "remarkably extended" can offer stylistic variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally lengthy

Emphasizes the length exceeding a typical expectation.

remarkably extended

Highlights the notable extension in duration or size.

particularly prolonged

Focuses on the extended duration being especially noticeable.

noticeably elongated

Draws attention to the increased length in a visual or spatial sense.

strikingly protracted

Indicates a significant and often unexpected lengthening.

abnormally sustained

Emphasizes the unusual continuation or maintenance of something.

surprisingly durable

Highlights unexpected endurance, related to lasting a long time.

inordinately extensive

Suggests an excessive or unreasonable degree of length.

uncommonly stretched

Focuses on the rare instance of something being elongated beyond the norm.

singularly enduring

Highlights the unique and lasting quality.

FAQs

How can I use "unusually long" in a sentence?

You can use "unusually long" to describe something that exceeds the typical or expected length, such as "The meeting had an "unusually long" duration" or "The snake had an "unusually long" body".

What are some alternatives to "unusually long"?

Some alternatives to "unusually long" include "exceptionally lengthy", "remarkably extended", or "particularly prolonged". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "unusually long length"?

Yes, saying "unusually long length" is generally considered redundant because "long" already implies length. It's better to simply say ""unusually long"".

What's the difference between "unusually long" and "extremely long"?

"Unusually long" suggests that something is longer than what is typically expected, while "extremely long" emphasizes a very high degree of length. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the unexpectedness or the magnitude of the length.