a protracted continuing affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a protracted continuing affair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or situation that is prolonged and ongoing, often with a sense of complexity or difficulty. Example: "Their relationship was marked by a protracted continuing affair that lasted for years, filled with ups and downs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nurse turnover is a critical issue facing workforce planners across the globe, particularly in light of protracted and continuing workforce shortages.

Collegian

Negotiations between the two sides are continuing, but at the same time, both are preparing for a protracted strike.

The New York Times - Tech

Electing a chairman of the parliament proved a protracted affair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The prosecution in Italy was a protracted affair.

The New York Times

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

"It was evident that it was going to be quite a protracted affair, lots of dives, down deep and cold – and that was really beyond our remit," Stanton told the BBC, recounting the aborted mission.

The Guardian

She picks up a brainless hunk in a bar for a night of alienated sex and has a protracted affair with a fetishistic sadist who gags her and ties her up.

The Guardian - Film

While the trial of the Gang of Four in the early 80s was a protracted affair that drew a public line under the extremes of the Maoist era, Bo's trial is likely to be briefer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a protracted continuing affair", ensure that both the prolonged duration ("protracted") and the ongoing nature ("continuing") are essential to the meaning you wish to convey. Consider if one adjective sufficiently captures the essence of the situation to avoid redundancy.

Common error

Avoid using "a protracted continuing affair" when a simpler phrase like "a protracted affair" or "a continuing issue" would suffice. Overusing both adjectives can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a protracted continuing affair" functions as a nominal phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes a noun (affair) with two adjectives, emphasizing duration and ongoing nature, as supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a protracted continuing affair" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that is both long-lasting and ongoing. However, it risks sounding redundant as both "protracted" and "continuing" emphasize duration. As Ludwig AI states the phrase is correct. While the phrase is understandable, it's not frequently used, as evidenced by the lack of examples. When using it, consider if both adjectives are necessary to avoid verbosity. Alternatives such as "a lengthy ongoing matter" or "a prolonged relationship" may offer a more concise and impactful way to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy ongoing matter

Replaces "protracted" with "lengthy" and "continuing" with "ongoing", simplifying the wording while retaining the core meaning of duration and continuation. The term "affair" has been replaced with "matter" to sound more neutral.

a prolonged and sustained relationship

Focuses on the relational aspect, using "prolonged" and "sustained" to emphasize the duration and maintenance of the connection. Shifts from "affair" to the more neutral "relationship".

an extended and persistent situation

Highlights the enduring nature of the situation using "extended" and "persistent", suitable for describing problems or circumstances that last a long time.

a long-lasting continuous process

Emphasizes the ongoing development with "long-lasting" and "continuous", framing it as a process rather than an event or relationship.

a sustained and unwavering commitment

This shifts the focus towards dedication and resolve with "sustained" and "unwavering", implying a firm and lasting dedication to something.

a drawn-out and never-ending saga

Conveys a sense of weariness and frustration with "drawn-out" and "never-ending", often used when the situation feels tedious and without resolution.

a chronic and perpetual cycle

Implies a recurring pattern with "chronic" and "perpetual", suited for describing problems that repeatedly occur over a long period.

a lingering and incessant problem

Highlights the intrusive and bothersome nature of the problem with "lingering" and "incessant", suggesting it is difficult to get rid of.

a tenacious and ongoing struggle

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved, using "tenacious" and "ongoing" to depict a persistent and challenging situation.

a relentless and unbroken chain of events

Emphasizes the continuous sequence with "relentless" and "unbroken", suggesting an unstoppable series of occurrences.

FAQs

What does "a protracted continuing affair" mean?

The phrase "a protracted continuing affair" describes a situation, relationship, or event that is both prolonged (protracted) and ongoing (continuing). It often implies complexity and persistence over a significant period.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a protracted continuing affair"?

Use "a protracted continuing affair" when you want to emphasize both the extended duration and the ongoing nature of something, particularly if it involves complications or difficulties. However, be mindful of potential redundancy and consider if a simpler phrase would suffice.

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

Some alternatives include "a lengthy ongoing matter", "a prolonged and sustained relationship", or "an extended and persistent situation", depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is "a protracted continuing affair" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a protracted continuing affair" is grammatically correct, but it can sound somewhat redundant. The adjectives "protracted" and "continuing" both imply a long duration, so using both may not always be necessary. Consider if using just one adjective improves clarity and conciseness.