The same question phrase can ask about time or distance.
The idea
Use how long for duration or physical length. With an action, ask How long does it take? With an object, ask How long is it?
Examples
- How long is the bridge?
- The bridge is twenty metres long.
- How long does the train journey take?
- It takes an hour.
- How long is this ribbon?
- How long is the film?
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Watch out
Do not confuse duration with frequency: how often asks how many times something happens.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option. How ___ is the rope? (long / many)
Show answer or example answer
long
long asks for the rope’s length.
Choose the correct option. How long ___ the meeting take? (does / is)
Show answer or example answer
does
does forms a question with the base verb take.
Choose the correct option. The path is ten metres ___. (long / much)
Show answer or example answer
long
long follows the measurement of the path.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option. How ___ is the rope? (long / many)
Choose the correct option. How long ___ the meeting take? (does / is)
Choose the correct option. The path is ten metres ___. (long / much)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Ask about the length of an object and the duration of a journey.