vast length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extensive or very long in size or duration. Example: "The novel is known for its vast length, spanning over a thousand pages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Lewisohn may not be a writer, but he is a sleuth of genius and the book's vast length is more than justified.

The Guardian - Books

It wasn't merely a question of reducing its vast length, but of choosing the ideas that have made the story endure.

The New York Times

It's puzzling, since each 100-hectare plot (meaning two would swallow up Allegro's entire farm) is irrigated by a "pivot" – a vast length of galvanised pipe mounted on wheeled towers with sprinklers positioned along its length.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This decision stems from a number of questions I would have liked to have answered and, to a considerable degree, to the vast length of the manuscript.

Biology Direct

Try to read Les Misérables  as if it were a normal book, ignoring the vast length.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"The larger issue was the fundamental unfairness of the vast lengths the government went to, to protect this institution and its management, shareholders and bondholders," Ms. Bair writes.

The New York Times

I haven't seen the Marcello Mastroianni original, but it surely can't have been as mawkishly unendurable as Kirk Jones's version, an About Schmidt wannabe in which Robert De Niro spends vast lengths of the story sitting on a bus or a train looking glum and unwanted.

The Guardian - Film

We're talking in Hall SM18 where the next generation of magnets is being checked - vast lengths of blue pipe are manoeuvred into giant testing rigs.

BBC

He would then remain there for ever-vaster lengths of time until, after several billion years, he will finally break through the diamond wall, and thus find Gallifrey.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Rather, the film suggests that Mr. Clinton's peccadilloes were nothing compared with the vast, unethical lengths to which his enemies were willing to go to discredit him.

The New York Times

There's a hotel lounge, empty except for Philippe, whose loneliness and isolation are underscored by the vast stage-length mirrored tabletop that serves as the bar at which he sits smoking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or spaces, use "vast length" to emphasize not just size, but the linear dimension. For example, "The bridge spanned a vast length across the river."

Common error

Avoid using "vast length" to describe areas where the linear dimension isn't the primary focus. Instead of saying "The park has a vast length", consider "The park has a vast area" if the focus is on the overall space.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast length" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to indicate an extensive linear dimension. It's used to emphasize the significant longitudinal extent of something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vast length" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, employed to describe something possessing considerable linear dimension. Ludwig highlights its presence in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles, indicating its broad applicability. While synonyms like "extensive distance" or "immense size" exist, "vast length" specifically emphasizes the linear aspect. As confirmed by Ludwig, using "vast length" effectively conveys the scale and reach of an object or space when its longitudinal extent is notable. Note that it's more appropriate to say something has a "vast length", and less common to say that "a length is vast".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense size

Underscores the overall magnitude and scale of the object or space.

extensive distance

Focuses on the spatial dimension and the great measure between two points.

enormous extent

Similar to "great expanse", it points to the wide reach or scope of something.

great expanse

Emphasizes the broad and open nature of the area covered.

substantial stretch

Highlights an unbroken continuation or span of something, either physically or temporally.

extensive reach

Focuses on the area or influence that something covers or extends to.

considerable duration

Highlights the length of time involved, shifting the focus from physical size to temporal extent.

broad scope

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness and range of a topic or subject.

prolonged period

Indicates a long and sustained time frame, deviating from the spatial connotation.

significant magnitude

Stresses the importance and scale of something, often used in a more abstract context.

FAQs

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

You can use "vast length" to describe something that is long and extensive. For example: "The Great Wall of China stretches a "vast length" across the country."

What is a good alternative to "vast length"?

Alternatives to "vast length" include "extensive distance", "great expanse", or "immense size". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a length is vast"?

While grammatically understandable, it's more common and natural to use "vast length" to describe something with considerable linear dimension. Saying "a length is vast" is less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "vast length" and "great area"?

"Vast length" emphasizes the linear dimension, while "great area" refers to the overall surface or space covered. Use "vast length" when describing something that is notably long, and "great area" when describing something that covers a lot of surface.