a prolonged period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prolonged period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extended duration of time, often implying that the period is longer than usual or expected. Example: "The project was delayed due to a prolonged period of inclement weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like winning, for a prolonged period.

The New York Times - Sports

A prolonged period of low prices would slow growth.

The New York Times

"We need a prolonged period of cool and wet weather".

The New York Times

It also needs a prolonged period of exchange rate stability.

The Guardian - Opinion

Liking someone for a prolonged period of time is hard.

The Guardian - Opinion

There will be a prolonged period of coexistence.

Harvard Business Review

If he is out for a prolonged period, the Lakers' playoff hopes could be severely damaged.

The New York Times - Sports

For them, it will at the very least deliver a prolonged period of uncertainty.

The Guardian

"We wanted to know what the cardiac activity was over a prolonged period".

The New York Times

Greece faces a deep recession this year and a prolonged period of great economic difficulty.

The Guardian - Opinion

We may be entering, as a country, a prolonged period of governmental budget austerity.

University of Pennsylvania

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a prolonged period", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended duration. Be specific about the nature of the period to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a prolonged period" in overly redundant phrases such as "a prolonged period of time". Instead, streamline the sentence to simply use "a prolonged period" or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prolonged period" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It specifies the duration of an event, state, or activity, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a prolonged period" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively describes an extended duration of time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and business contexts. While alternatives like "an extended duration" and "a lengthy interval" exist, "a prolonged period" offers a clear and concise way to express the concept of a drawn-out timeframe. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and avoids redundancy, such as "a prolonged period of time". Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for writers aiming to convey duration with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extended duration

Focuses on the length of time being extended.

a lengthy interval

Emphasizes the space of time between two points.

a protracted time frame

Highlights the drawn-out nature of the period.

a sustained length of time

Stresses the continuous nature of the period.

a long-lasting phase

Underscores the enduring quality of the period.

an enduring stretch

Implies the period is resilient and continues.

a drawn-out spell

Suggests the period is tedious or longer than desired.

a considerable span

Focuses on the significant length of time.

a significant duration

Highlights the importance of the length of time.

a substantial timeframe

Implies the period is large or important.

FAQs

How can I use "a prolonged period" in a sentence?

You can use "a prolonged period" to describe an extended duration of something. For example: "The company experienced "a prolonged period" of economic growth.".

What are some alternatives to "a prolonged period"?

Some alternatives to "a prolonged period" include "an extended duration", "a lengthy interval", or "a protracted time frame".

Is it redundant to say "a prolonged period of time"?

Yes, saying "a prolonged period of time" can be redundant. It's often more concise to simply use ""a prolonged period"".

What's the difference between "a prolonged period" and "a sustained period"?

"A prolonged period" refers to an extended length of time. "A sustained period" emphasizes the continuous or consistent nature of the activity or state during that time.