a protracted affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a protracted affair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is prolonged or extended over a significant period of time, often with a sense of difficulty or complexity. Example: "The negotiations turned into a protracted affair, lasting several months before an agreement was finally reached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The prosecution in Italy was a protracted affair.

The New York Times

Electing a chairman of the parliament proved a protracted affair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, American officials said they did not expect a protracted affair.

The New York Times

Adolescence is boring, smelly and above all a protracted affair, something like a long-haul flight.

The Guardian - Books

He still had to subdue the confederacy of the Vrijji state, and this turned out to be a protracted affair lasting 16 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The building process is a protracted affair, taking far too long and creating embarrassing amounts of building waste (over 50 percent of all waste produced in the United States, in fact).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

These can often be tedious, protracted affairs.

The New York Times

Presidential campaigns are protracted affairs that require candidates to deftly manage the seesaws of hopes and fears, enthusiasm and foreboding, aggression and equanimity, momentum and wanderings.

The New York Times

But in truth the recovery could be a slow, protracted affair.

The Guardian - Business

Egypt's revolution is turning out to be an extremely protracted affair.

The Guardian

He claims there is a good reason the disarmament of Eta has turned out to be such a tortuous and protracted affair.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a protracted affair", consider whether the negative connotations of the phrase align with your intended message. If you want to avoid implying difficulty or unpleasantness, consider alternatives like "a lengthy process" or "an extended period".

Common error

Avoid using "a protracted affair" in overly casual or informal contexts. Its somewhat formal tone can sound out of place if the situation being described is not serious or significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a protracted affair" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It describes a situation, event, or process that extends over a considerable period. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a protracted affair" is a noun phrase used to describe an event or situation that extends over a considerable time, often implying complexity or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and has a generally neutral register. Consider the connotations of the phrase when choosing to use it, as it can imply a negative experience. Alternatives such as "a lengthy process" or "a prolonged situation" may be more appropriate in some cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy ordeal

Emphasizes the unpleasant and difficult nature of the long duration.

a drawn-out process

Highlights the extended duration of the process.

a prolonged situation

Focuses on the extended duration of the state of affairs.

a lingering matter

Implies that the issue is slow to resolve and continues to be present.

a never-ending saga

Suggests a complex and dramatic series of events that seems to have no conclusion.

a long-lasting struggle

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved over an extended period.

an extended negotiation

Specific to situations involving bargaining or discussion, emphasizing the long duration.

a chronic problem

Used to describe an issue that is persistent and recurs over time.

a tedious undertaking

Emphasizes the boring and tiresome nature of the long task.

a marathon session

Suggests a single event that lasted an exceptionally long time, often involving intense activity.

FAQs

How can I use "a protracted affair" in a sentence?

You can use "a protracted affair" to describe something that takes a long time and is often complex or difficult. For example: "The legal battle became "a protracted affair", lasting several years."

What are some alternatives to saying "a protracted affair"?

Some alternatives include "a lengthy process", "a drawn-out process", or "a prolonged situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a protracted affair"?

While "a protracted affair" often carries negative connotations of difficulty or tedium, it can also simply emphasize the length of time involved without necessarily implying a negative experience. The context is key.

What's the difference between "a protracted affair" and "a brief encounter"?

"A protracted affair" describes something that lasts a long time, whereas "a brief encounter" describes something that is short and fleeting. They are antonyms in terms of duration.