a drawn out process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a drawn out process" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that takes a long time to complete, often longer than expected or desired. Example: "The approval for the project was a drawn out process, taking several months to finalize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But, be warned, getting to the festival site can be quite a drawn out process.

The Guardian - Music

If parliament chooses a different course from that recommended, we will need very good reasons for doing so … Killing the Leveson report by a drawn out process would be an equal, if not greater, abdication of responsibility as an unreasonable rejection of its key recommendations".

The Guardian

I suppose I'm positing the death of Microsoft, which is going to be a drawn out process if it happens at all.

TechCrunch

"This won't be a drawn out process; I have started work today and will present what I hope will be unifying recommendations on 30th November".

BBC

However, Pawlenty spokesman Alex Conant told HuffPost that the 2012 hopeful's timetable does not envision a drawn out process.

Huffington Post

The search for a new guitarist was a drawn out process; Mustaine examined a number of guitarists for the job, including Dimebag Darrell of Pantera, who was initially offered the job before declining.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Birmingham are stepping up their bid to try to keep hold of Bruce's assistant Eric Black while they look for a managerial replacement but it could be a long drawn out process as prospective new owner Carson Yeung has to approve any potential candidates - and there is increasing concern that he will be unable to raise the funds to take full control of City.

The Guardian - Sport

Anneliese Burgess, a spokesperson for the Pistorius family, said the trial had been a "long, drawn out process" and considered the case over.

The Guardian

4) Civilian trials will be a long, drawn out process.

Huffington Post

We had a team of people who did clinical trials who actually wrote reports on the effects of the products, and this was a long, drawn out process.

Vice

In the meantime, they must wait for their long-term visa to be approved, which can be a lengthy, drawn out process.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a drawn out process" when you want to emphasize that something is taking longer than expected or is unnecessarily prolonged. For instance, "The legal proceedings became a drawn out process due to numerous appeals."

Common error

Avoid using "a drawn out process" when describing something positive that naturally takes time to develop. The phrase often carries a negative connotation of unnecessary delay or complication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drawn out process" functions as a noun phrase, where "drawn out" modifies "process". It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing the nature of a process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a drawn out process" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered phrase that describes a process taking longer than expected. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across various domains, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While the phrase isn't inherently negative, it often implies the duration is excessive or undesirable. Alternatives like "a prolonged procedure" or "a lengthy undertaking" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, be mindful of its connotation and avoid using it to describe positive developments that naturally take time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a time-consuming activity

Directly focuses on the aspect of consuming a lot of time.

a prolonged procedure

Focuses on the procedural aspect, emphasizing the extended duration.

a lengthy undertaking

Emphasizes the task or project aspect and its long duration.

a long-lasting endeavor

Highlights the extended existence or duration of an effort.

an extended period

Highlights the temporal aspect, focusing on the duration of time.

a protracted affair

Implies a complex or troublesome situation that is prolonged.

a lingering situation

Suggests a state of affairs that persists longer than desired.

a sustained effort

Focuses on the continuous and prolonged exertion of energy or work.

a never-ending story

Implies something that seems to continue indefinitely, often with a negative connotation.

a grinding endeavor

Highlights the arduous and time-consuming nature of the effort.

FAQs

How can I use "a drawn out process" in a sentence?

You can use "a drawn out process" to describe something that takes longer than expected. For example: "The negotiation became "a drawn out process" due to disagreements."

What is a synonym for "a drawn out process"?

A synonym for "a drawn out process" is "a lengthy procedure". Both phrases describe something that takes a long time to complete.

What's the difference between "a drawn out process" and "a quick process"?

"A drawn out process" refers to something that takes a long time, while "a quick process" refers to something that is completed rapidly. They are antonyms.

Is "a drawn out process" always negative?

While not inherently negative, "a drawn out process" often implies that something is taking longer than necessary or is more complicated than it should be.