a prolonged spell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prolonged spell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extended period of time during which something occurs or is experienced. Example: "After a prolonged spell of rainy weather, the sun finally broke through the clouds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Or just a prolonged spell of bad luck?

The Guardian - Sport

He had the slightly bunkered air that usually follows a prolonged spell in the editing room.

The Guardian - Film

Arsenal have not yet seen Özil at his finest for a prolonged spell.

The Guardian - Sport

Neither Bobby Fischer nor Garry Kasparov in his pomp had such a prolonged spell of inconsistent results.

The Guardian - Sport

For Crouch, it raises the prospect of a prolonged spell on the bench watching Fernando Torres prosper.

Independent

The USA and Seattle Sounders captain missed Sunday's Cascadia clash with Portland and could miss a prolonged spell of action due to tests for an irregular heartbeat.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Meanwhile, almond prices are at a nine-year high, because of drought in California, the world's biggest grower, while a prolonged dry spell in Brazil in January and February reduced the coffee harvest, pushing up prices.

The Guardian - Business

The first genuine opportunity came with the first prolonged spell of possession for a team unable to keep the ball until then, disengaged from a game that did not feel entirely real: 37 minutes had gone when Antoine Griezmann provided the last of a dozen passes.

The Guardian - Sport

Many were sent scampering, however, when a prolonged windy spell brought down several large branches from the park's trees.

The Guardian

But a prolonged dry spell, combined with the El Niño drought, have exacerbated this year's fires, with neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia also badly affected by the resulting haze.

The Guardian

National Grid does warn that a prolonged cold spell or a loss of crucial gas supplies could force a "demand-side response" - likely to mean a curb on big industrial users.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a prolonged spell", ensure the context clearly defines what is being prolonged, such as "a prolonged spell of dry weather" or "a prolonged spell of unemployment", to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a prolonged spell" in simple sentences where a simpler phrase like "a long time" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prolonged spell" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates an extended period of time during which a particular condition or activity persists. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prolonged spell" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase that signifies an extended period of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, scientific writing, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, it is advisable to ensure clarity by specifying the event or condition that is being prolonged. While versatile, "a prolonged spell" can be replaced by alternatives such as "an extended duration" or "a lengthy period" to avoid repetition or adjust the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extended duration

Replaces 'spell' with 'duration', emphasizing the length of time.

a lengthy period

Substitutes 'prolonged' with 'lengthy' and 'spell' with 'period', maintaining a similar meaning.

a drawn-out episode

Replaces 'prolonged' with 'drawn-out' and 'spell' with 'episode', suggesting a sometimes negative or tedious duration.

a sustained period

Replaces 'prolonged' with 'sustained', implying continuous or maintained activity over time.

a protracted interval

Uses more formal vocabulary, 'protracted' and 'interval', to convey the extended time.

an extensive stretch

Replaces 'prolonged' with 'extensive' and 'spell' with 'stretch', focusing on the continuous nature of the time.

a long-lasting phase

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the 'phase', replacing 'prolonged' and 'spell'.

a continuing stretch

Focuses on the ongoing nature, using 'continuing' instead of 'prolonged'.

a persistent phase

Highlights the unchanging nature of the 'phase', using 'persistent' as a substitute.

a considerable span

Uses 'considerable' and 'span' to describe a significant amount of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a prolonged spell" to describe an extended period of time during which something occurs or is experienced. For instance, "The region experienced "a prolonged spell" of unusually cold weather last winter".

What can I say instead of "a prolonged spell"?

You can use alternatives like "an extended duration", "a lengthy period", or "a sustained period" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "prolonged period" or "prolonged spell"?

Both "prolonged period" and "a prolonged spell" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. "Period" is more general, while "spell" often implies a distinct phase or occurrence.

What is the difference between "a prolonged spell" and "a short spell"?

"A prolonged spell" refers to an extended duration of time, while "a short spell" indicates a brief period. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the duration spectrum.