a lengthy progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lengthy progress" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is typically used to describe a situation or process that is taking a long time to develop or advance, but the word "progress" is generally uncountable and does not pair with "a" in this context. Example: "The project has been a lengthy progress, but we are finally seeing results." (Note: This example is incorrect due to the phrase itself.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Development of such markers will however be a lengthy progress, particularly given the lack of mechanistic knowledge concerning PZQ action or resistance.

Evolutionary Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Despite this progress, high-resolution RNA structure determination by NMR spectroscopy still remains a lengthy process and requires programming and extensive calibrations to perform NMR experiments successfully.

Methods

"It could be a lengthy process".

The New York Times

"Assisted suicide is a lengthy process.

The Guardian

It will be a lengthy process.

The Guardian - Sport

But it could be a lengthy process.

The New York Times

It can be a lengthy process".

The New York Times - Health

Hiring is a lengthy process, says Marriott.

The Guardian - Money

It was a lengthy process.

BBC

It will also be a lengthy process.

BBC

"That would clearly be a lengthy process.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "progress" after indefinite articles like "a" or "an" to describe duration. Instead, opt for nouns like "process", "development", or "period" that fit more naturally with these articles. For example, instead of saying "a lengthy progress", consider "a long process".

Common error

The word "progress" is generally uncountable. While you can say "make progress", avoid phrasing like "a progress" to describe something taking a long time. Choose a more appropriate noun to follow the indefinite article, such as "process" or "development".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lengthy progress" functions as a noun phrase intended to describe the duration of an advancement or development. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically incorrect due to the use of "progress" as a countable noun, which is not standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a lengthy progress" aims to describe a drawn-out development, it's considered grammatically incorrect as "progress" is usually an uncountable noun. Ludwig AI highlights that it's better to use phrases like "a long process" or "a lengthy development" for clarity and correctness. Although the phrase appears in some News and Science contexts, it is best to avoid it and use alternative phrasings in order to enhance the accuracy and credibility of the content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long process

This alternative replaces "progress" with "process", a more common and grammatically sound noun in this context.

a protracted development

This uses "protracted" to emphasize the extended duration of the development, providing a more formal tone.

a lengthy development

Synonymizing "progress" for development

a slow advancement

This highlights the gradual nature of the advancement, focusing on the pace rather than just the duration.

a drawn-out evolution

This emphasizes the extended period over which the evolution occurs, suggesting a gradual and prolonged change.

a prolonged undertaking

This alternative frames the progress as a significant project or endeavor that takes a considerable amount of time.

a time-consuming endeavor

Focus on the time aspect of an activity that requires effort.

an extended procedure

Emphasis on the procedural and methodical aspect.

a lengthy period of growth

Highlights growth aspect, specifying it is over a long period of time.

a gradual unfolding

Focuses on revealing aspect over a long period of time.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "a lengthy progress"?

No, the phrase "a lengthy progress" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. "Progress" is typically used as an uncountable noun. It's more appropriate to say "a long process" or "a lengthy development" instead.

What are some alternatives to "a lengthy progress"?

Some alternatives to "a lengthy progress" include "a long process", "a prolonged development", or "a lengthy period". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When can I use the word "progress" correctly?

You can use "progress" correctly as an uncountable noun, such as in the phrases "make progress", "significant progress", or "slow progress". It refers to the general act of moving forward, not a specific, countable instance.

What's the difference between "a lengthy progress" and "a long process"?

The main difference is grammatical correctness. "A lengthy progress" is not standard English usage, as "progress" is generally uncountable. "A long process" is the correct and commonly used phrasing to describe something that takes a significant amount of time.