At length means for a long time and in detail: the guide spoke at length about the harbour. At great length is very long, sometimes too long. In written stories there's a second meaning, finally, after a long wait: at length, the doors opened. In conversation, people say finally or at last instead.
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discuss / explain / speak at length; at great length; At length, + eventual event
- The guide spoke at length about how the harbour had changed.
- We discussed the practical problems at length before choosing a venue.
- At length, the heavy doors opened and the waiting crowd moved forward.
What changed
First versionThey explained the new rules in length during the meeting.
RevisionThey explained the new rules at length during the meeting.
In detail and in depth both use in, so in length looks like part of the same family. But a long, thorough talk happens at length. In length is about size: two metres in length.
In length is a measurement: the bridge is 50 metres in length. In detail means with all the details: explain in detail. At length means long and thorough: you can talk at length and still never get to the details.
Your turn
The explanation was long and thorough: She explained the process ___ length.
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at — A long, thorough explanation is at length. In length is about measurements.
Tell about an issue that was discussed for a long time before a decision, and explain why. Use discussed at length.
We discussed the timetable at length because several volunteers could only work in the evenings.
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