What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lengthy
Example
The meeting was lengthy and lasted for hours. [lengthy: adjective]
Example
I found the book to be too lengthy and repetitive. [lengthy: adjective]
long
Example
The road trip was long and tiring. [long: adjective]
Example
I have known her for a long time. [long: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Long is more commonly used than lengthy in everyday language. Long is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lengthy is less common and is typically used in specific contexts where excessive length or duration is emphasized.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between lengthy and long?
Both lengthy and long can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, lengthy is more likely to be used in formal writing or speech, while long is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.