write at length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'write at length' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you want to ask someone to write a longer piece or to explain something in detail. For example: "Please write at length about your experiences in college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

With plenty of outlets for verbal self-expression, why write at length on Instagram?

The New York Times - Style

Both write at length about the compromises and temptations of big-time politics.

The New York Times - Books

It's understandable that educators and policymakers feel a sense of urgency about getting students to write at length in the upper grades.

The Washington Post

I hope Majd will find his way back to Iran and write at length, and with the same openness of mind, about what he finds.

The New Yorker

It was exhilarating to write at length from knowledge of a single poet's complete works, since anthologies offer only little snippets.

Harvard University

The term paper was once an important feature of American secondary education, requiring students to dig deeply and write at length.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

He noted that it's often easy to write at-length about a problem, but too much detail muddies the search for a solution.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Badinter wrote at length about Mme.

The New Yorker

Oh, I've written at length.

University of California, Berkeley

She writes at length about female pattern baldness.

The Guardian - Film

She writes at length about one conservative friend, one Palestinian activist, one former skinhead.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "write at length", ensure the context requires a detailed explanation or discussion. Avoid using it when a brief summary suffices.

Common error

Avoid using "write at length" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "explain more" or "go into detail" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "write at length" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of writing extensively or in great detail. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "write at length" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey the need for a detailed written explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s particularly prevalent in news, academic, and wiki contexts. While versatile, it is most appropriate for neutral to formal settings. To achieve clarity and avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "elaborate in writing" or "detail in writing". Remember to use "write at length" when a comprehensive exploration is required, and reserve simpler phrases for more casual scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elaborate in writing

Focuses on the act of adding details in written form.

detail in writing

Emphasizes the inclusion of specific details when writing.

expand upon in writing

Highlights the act of developing an idea more fully in a written piece.

go into detail

Focuses on providing many details, not exclusively in written form.

expound upon

Implies a thorough and often formal explanation of a subject.

discourse at length

Suggests a formal and extended discussion, not exclusively in writing.

pen a lengthy piece

Highlights writing a long article or document.

draft extensively

Focuses on the creation of a detailed written document, usually a draft.

cover comprehensively

Emphasizes a complete and thorough treatment of a topic, applicable to various mediums.

treat extensively

Indicates a thorough examination or discussion of a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "write at length" in a sentence?

You can use "write at length" to indicate a need for a detailed explanation. For example, "The professor asked us to write at length about our research findings."

What does "write at length" mean?

"Write at length" means to write extensively, providing a detailed explanation or discussion of a topic.

Which is better, "write at length" or "write in detail"?

Both "write at length" and "write in detail" are correct, but "write at length" often implies a more substantial and thorough piece of writing.

Are there synonyms for "write at length"?

Yes, alternatives include "elaborate in writing", "detail in writing", and "expand upon in writing", each with slight nuances in meaning.