In/Along The Greatest Dimension

[learningspirit]

Suppose the context is measuring a size of a piece of rock:

1. "The rock measures 10 cm along the greatest dimension."
2. "The rock measures 10 cm in the greatest dimension."

Should it be "along" or "in"?

 

[Roman55]

I am not a teacher.

I don't find the sentences particularly natural. Of the two, n°1 is best.

I'd prefer, 'The rock measures 10 cm at its longest' or, 'The rock measures 10 cm in length.'

 

[emsr2d2]

I agree in part, Roman, but what if its length isn't its greatest dimension? For example, a skyscraper's greatest dimension is its height. If we imagine a rock that's the same shape (not size!) as a skyscraper then your sentence would have to be "The rock measures 10cm in height". That tells us nothing about its other dimensions so it's not clear that the height is its greatest dimension. If the OP doesn't want to specify "height/lengthy/width", then using "its longest side" is probably the best way to do it.

 

[learningspirit]

So, so it be "in" or "along"?

 

[bhaisahab]

Like Roman 55 I find both unnatural. If you insist on using one of them, use #1.

 

[teechar]

"The rock measures 10 cm at its longest/greatest dimension."