a protracted argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a protracted argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lengthy or drawn-out dispute or discussion between parties. Example: "The meeting turned into a protracted argument, with both sides unwilling to compromise on their positions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"This can save you a protracted argument with the building control officer over the extent of the required fire safety works – and, more importantly, save your life in the event of a fire," says Derry.

The Guardian - Money

London Records refused to release it, leading to a protracted argument about ownership rights.

The Guardian - Music

WEBBER EJECTED: Chris Webber was ejected from the Sacramento Kings' game against the visiting Phoenix Suns last night after a protracted argument with all three game officials.

The New York Times - Sports

News UK's decision saves the taxpayer millions of pounds and was made because the company did not wish to become embroiled in a protracted argument about its case.

The Guardian

"You don't re-enlist, you're turning your back on a sure thing," the sergeant major told him, unleashing a protracted argument for a life in the army.

The New York Times

After a protracted argument with the waiter about the bill (I refused to pay £3.50 for the extra services), we left the restaurant arm in arm.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They removed their clothes, their own and each other's, delicately, precisely, as if preparing to model for an artist, and once naked, seated side by side on the bed, they turned to face each other, and with their hands on each other's bare shoulders, they kissed – sweetly, as if in relief and gratitude for having come to the peaceful end of a painfully protracted argument.

The Guardian - Books

So like many in my generation, now in our 20's and 30's, I am in a perpetual state of either passivity or protracted argument.

The New York Times

After protracted argument, Mr Abbas's letter to Ismail Haniyeh, the prime minister, called on Hamas to "respect" or "honour" previous accords rather than "commit" to them.

The Economist

Losers, especially litigants in person, went away feeling that they had gained something, and Denning's court got through a lot more work by avoiding protracted arguments.

The Guardian

It was reported this year that a woman in India is killed over her dowry every hour, with over 8,000 women killed over protracted arguments for more lavish dowries and gifts.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a protracted argument" when you want to emphasize that a disagreement has been lengthy, often tedious, and possibly unproductive. It suggests a drawn-out process with little progress.

Common error

Avoid using "a protracted argument" when the focus is on the intensity or bitterness of a conflict, rather than its length. A heated or bitter argument might not necessarily be protracted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a protracted argument" functions as a noun phrase, where 'protracted' modifies 'argument'. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a specific instance of a long-lasting dispute. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

10%

Vice

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Sports

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a protracted argument" is a noun phrase used to describe a disagreement that has lasted for an extended period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media sources. While the phrase implies the argument is lengthy and potentially tiresome, it does not necessarily denote intensity or bitterness. When you want to emphasize the duration of a disagreement, especially in formal writing or reporting, this is your phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy dispute

Focuses more on the disagreement itself being long rather than the act of arguing.

a long-lasting disagreement

Simply states the disagreement has continued for a significant period.

a drawn-out debate

Emphasizes the formal and extended nature of the discussion.

a prolonged quarrel

Highlights a more personal and emotional disagreement that lasts a long time.

a sustained conflict

Focuses on the continued and forceful nature of the disagreement.

a chronic dispute

Highlights that the dispute is recurring and persistent, like a chronic illness.

an extended contention

Suggests a formal and possibly legal dispute that is ongoing.

a persistent controversy

Underlines the ongoing and public nature of the disagreement.

a perennial argument

Suggests the argument returns regularly, like a perennial plant.

a never-ending feud

Implies a bitter and ongoing conflict with no foreseeable resolution.

FAQs

How can "a protracted argument" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a protracted argument" to describe a long and drawn-out dispute, as in: "The negotiation turned into "a protracted argument" over the terms of the contract."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a lengthy dispute", "a drawn-out debate", or "a prolonged quarrel".

Is it better to describe something as a "protracted debate" or "a protracted argument"?

The best choice depends on the context. "A protracted argument" suggests a more contentious and potentially emotional disagreement, while "a protracted debate" implies a more formal and structured discussion.

What distinguishes "a protracted argument" from "a simple disagreement"?

"A protracted argument" is not just a disagreement but one that has continued for an extended period, often becoming tiresome or unproductive. A simple disagreement might be resolved quickly, while a protracted one lingers.