a protracted battle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a protracted battle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conflict or struggle that lasts for a long time, often with no clear resolution in sight. Example: "The negotiations turned into a protracted battle, with both sides unwilling to compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Demonstrators engaged police – mounted and on foot – in a protracted battle throwing stones, firecrackers, and smoke bombs.

The Guardian

Monday night's game is the beginning of a protracted battle for a new stadium's soul.

The New York Times

It may go to court if it has the energy for a protracted battle.

The Economist

But each time, the fighters found it a temporary jolt rather than a protracted battle.

The New York Times

Eventually, when Joel's lawyers threatened a protracted battle, the suit was resolved out of court.

The New Yorker

Edison can try to negotiate a settlement either now or after a protracted battle in court.

The New York Times

But fearing that a protracted battle would damage the young company, Audible decided to settle.

The New York Times

Mr. Sagawa said he hoped that Qualcomm and Nokia would not engage in a protracted battle.

The New York Times - Tech

And Port Chester had a protracted battle over the Diamond Club, which eventually closed.

The New York Times

It is not clear whether Mr. Paterson has the stomach for a protracted battle over spending.

The New York Times

This is what remains of a protracted battle that had pitted green space against housing needs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "lengthy conflict" or "drawn-out fight" for variety in your writing. These alternatives can provide a similar meaning while avoiding repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "a protracted battle" for minor or short-lived disagreements. The term implies a significant duration and intensity, so ensure it accurately reflects the scale of the conflict. Choose other ways to describe an issue, for example: "a dispute", "a disagreement", or "an argument".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a protracted battle" functions as a noun phrase, with 'protracted' acting as an adjective modifying the noun 'battle'. It describes a specific type of conflict or struggle characterized by its extended duration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a protracted battle" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a conflict or struggle that extends over a considerable period. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English and denotes an intense and prolonged engagement. Its use is prominent in News & Media but also appears in Encyclopedias and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context reflects the significant duration and intensity of the conflict. Alternatives such as "lengthy conflict" or "drawn-out fight" can provide variety. Be mindful of avoiding its use for minor disagreements. "A protracted battle" is suitable for formal writing and is frequently found in reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy conflict

Replaces 'protracted' with 'lengthy' and 'battle' with 'conflict', maintaining the sense of a long-lasting struggle.

a drawn-out fight

Substitutes 'protracted' with 'drawn-out' and 'battle' with 'fight', emphasizing the prolonged nature of the confrontation.

a prolonged struggle

Uses 'prolonged' instead of 'protracted' and 'struggle' in place of 'battle', keeping the core meaning intact.

an extended conflict

Replaces 'protracted' with 'extended', focusing on the duration of the 'conflict'.

a long-running dispute

Changes 'protracted' to 'long-running' and 'battle' to 'dispute', suggesting an ongoing disagreement.

a sustained campaign

Replaces the notion of immediate conflict with an ongoing 'campaign', suggesting a longer strategic effort.

a grinding war

Implies a slow, attritional conflict with 'grinding' and replaces 'battle' with 'war' to convey the intensity.

a long-term feud

Shifts the focus to a 'feud', indicating a personal and lasting animosity.

a persistent struggle

Highlights the continuous and determined effort using 'persistent' and 'struggle'.

an enduring rivalry

Emphasizes the lasting nature of the 'rivalry', suggesting a continuous competition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a protracted battle" to describe a conflict or struggle that lasts for a long time. For example, "The negotiations turned into "a protracted battle", with both sides unwilling to compromise."

What are some alternatives to "a protracted battle"?

Alternatives include "a lengthy conflict", "a drawn-out fight", or "a prolonged struggle", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a protracted battle" in formal writing?

Yes, "a protracted battle" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant and lasting conflicts. However, ensure that the tone and style align with the overall formality of the document.

What distinguishes "a protracted battle" from a regular battle?

"A protracted battle" implies a conflict that extends over a considerable period, often marked by multiple stages or phases. It differs from a regular battle, which may be shorter in duration and more focused in scope.