Slightly prolonged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Slightly prolonged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been extended or lengthened to a small degree, often in contexts related to time or duration. Example: "The meeting was slightly prolonged due to unexpected discussions about the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Clocking in at 26 minutes, the opening movement felt slightly prolonged and episodic.

The New York Times - Arts

The subject was informed that the level of the presented light was to change by a slightly prolonged beep through headphones.

Nature

"These things happen every summer but this one was slightly prolonged and more serious but no weapons were used," a police source in Srinagar told AFP.

The Guardian

In the presence of La3+, OT-induced rises of F were slightly prolonged, suggesting that transmembrane calcium flux contributes to decreasing Ca2+d, but is not the primary mechanism.

Cell Calcium

Conclusions: We have demonstrated that in a tertiary referral practice resident surgeons can be taught to perform complex vaginal surgery with the only observed disadvantage being a slightly prolonged operative time.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Normally, two distinct sounds are heard through the stethoscope: a low, slightly prolonged "lub" (first sound) occurring at the beginning of ventricular contraction, or systole, and produced by closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves, and a sharper, higher-pitched "dup" (second sound), caused by closure of aortic and pulmonary valves at the end of systole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Jon Stewart may not, one day to the next, drive a candidate from the field; at times, his attention appears to slightly prolong a candidate's presence.

The New Yorker

Increased compaction density slightly prolongs the TDC initiation life of the asphalt pavement, while decreased compaction density significantly diminishes the TDC performance.

Construction and Building Materials

In conclusion, the three kinds of SP all make the normal consistency of cement increase; the initial and final setting times delay when the content of LP is 5%%, and they have no great change when the content increases; the initial and final setting times slightly prolongs when QP or GP is mixed.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

While cytotoxic chemotherapy slightly prolongs survival among advanced NSCLC patients, it exerts clinically significant adverse effects (Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancet Collalorative Group, 1995; Schiller et al, 2002).

British Journal of Cancer

However, all women with cancer may theoretically benefit from screening mammography through slowing the disease and therefore slightly prolonging their lives.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing durations or time-sensitive processes, use "slightly prolonged" to indicate a minor extension, avoiding stronger terms unless the extension is significant. Be specific with numerical data if possible to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly prolonged" when the extension is actually substantial. Using a more accurate term like "significantly extended" or providing specific duration details will enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly prolonged" functions as an adjectival modifier describing the extent to which something has been lengthened or extended. It typically modifies nouns relating to time, duration, or processes. This is supported by Ludwig and its examples which indicates the phrase is indeed correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly prolonged" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe a minor extension in time or duration. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts. It is most frequently found in scientific literature but is also used in news media and encyclopedias. It is considered neutral to formal in register. When using this phrase, be mindful of the degree of extension and ensure it aligns with the context to avoid misrepresentation. Considering alternatives like "marginally extended" or "somewhat lengthened" can refine your expression to the precise nuance needed. By carefully considering these factors, you can effectively use "slightly prolonged" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally extended

Focuses on the degree of extension being minimal.

somewhat lengthened

Emphasizes the act of making something longer to a certain extent.

mildly protracted

Highlights the drawing out or extending of something, but only to a small degree.

briefly extended

Stresses the short duration of the extension.

a bit elongated

Uses a more informal tone to express a slight increase in length.

minimally increased in duration

Emphasizes the minimal nature of the increase in duration.

modestly prolonged

Indicates a moderate degree of prolongation, still implying it's not significant.

hardly shortened

Implies that the decrease in length or time is very little.

a touch prolonged

Uses a more figurative and less precise way to describe a small extension.

slightly delayed

Highlights the aspect of postponement or delaying.

FAQs

How to use "slightly prolonged" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly prolonged" to describe a minor extension in time or duration, for example: "The meeting was "slightly prolonged" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What can I say instead of "slightly prolonged"?

Alternatives include "marginally extended", "somewhat lengthened", or "mildly protracted", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "slightly prolonged" or "somewhat prolonged"?

Both "slightly prolonged" and "somewhat prolonged" are correct, but they indicate slightly different degrees of extension. "Slightly" suggests a smaller extension than "somewhat".

What's the difference between "slightly prolonged" and "briefly extended"?

"Slightly prolonged" emphasizes the minor nature of the extension, while "briefly extended" focuses on the short duration of the extension. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the degree or the duration of the extension.