a protracted discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a protracted discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion that is lengthy or drawn out, often implying that it takes more time than expected or desired. Example: "The committee engaged in a protracted discussion about the budget, which delayed the decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A protracted discussion about social issues, he said, could play into Democratic hands.

The New York Times

Can the nation survive a protracted discussion of superdelegates?

Huffington Post

I won't even get into a protracted discussion on to the Tea Party contingent's actions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The diplomatic record reveals protracted discussion on the level of coercion used, with Japan implying some women may have gone to brothels voluntarily.The Yomiuri cites the report as evidence that the Kono statement is full of problems.

The Economist

And anyone who thinks that the philosophical ideas of positivism, naturalism and materialism are false and out of date, will find it an easy matter to refute the aesthetic or pseudo-aesthetic doctrines which mutually support them and are supported by them, and will not regard their problems as problems still awaiting solution or worthy of discussion or, at least, protracted discussion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

McArthur, a Scotland international, arrived at the club's Beckenham training ground early on Monday morning but, after a day of medicals and protracted discussions over personal terms, was only confirmed as a Palace player a little over an hour before the cut-off.

The Guardian - Sport

Amy Marx, a Maryland painter whose work features images of violent storms and tornadoes, and who currently has a show at OK Harris in SoHo, where her large pieces are listed at between $8,500 and $12,500, remembers protracted discussions with a family in Maryland a few years ago.

The New York Times

Under a previous plan, announced in June, the group planned to put in £1bn and keep a 25% stake, but that sum has now been reduced after protracted discussions with a group of bondholders under the name LT2 – so called because they own lower tier two debt.

The Guardian - Business

Quick says he wasn't present but having read his officers' statements, he is aware of "fairly protracted discussions" between an officer and the serjeant over the request to search a parliamentary office.

The Guardian

Characteristic of his softer side were protracted discussions about how a process, such as theta-phase precession, might be implemented in the hippocampus and contribute to behavior.

Hippocampus

The influential scrutiny committee heard that although he was not present at a meeting with parliamentary authorities on 26 November about searching Green's parliamentary office, Quick understood from a briefing with officers present that "fairly protracted discussions" had taken place.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a protracted discussion", ensure the context clearly indicates why the discussion was lengthy. Providing details about the topic or the parties involved can enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "protracted" in casual conversation. This word lends a formal tone, which may sound unnatural in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "long" or "extended".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a protracted discussion" functions as a noun phrase, where "protracted" modifies the noun "discussion". It describes the type of discussion based on its duration. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a protracted discussion" is a noun phrase used to describe a discussion that is lengthy or has lasted longer than expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While generally appropriate for neutral to formal contexts such as news and academic writing, "protracted" should be used judiciously in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "a lengthy debate" or "an extended conversation" to adjust the tone as needed. Remember to provide context to clarify why the discussion was "protracted" to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extended conversation

This phrase uses "extended" to highlight the duration of the conversation, maintaining a neutral tone.

a lengthy debate

This alternative replaces "discussion" with "debate", suggesting a more formal and possibly contentious exchange.

a drawn-out deliberation

"Drawn-out deliberation" emphasizes the slow and careful consideration involved in the discussion.

a prolonged negotiation

"Negotiation" implies a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement, adding a specific purpose to the extended timeframe.

a sustained dialogue

"Sustained dialogue" implies a continuous and ongoing exchange of ideas, often over a significant period.

a long-winded discourse

This phrase adds a negative connotation, suggesting the discussion is excessively lengthy and perhaps tedious.

a laborious exchange

This phrase suggests that the discussion was difficult and required considerable effort.

a tedious conversation

This implies the discussion was long and boring.

an interminable consultation

This suggests the process of getting information from another was endless.

a never-ending parley

This describes a discussion between enemies or opponents.

FAQs

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

You can use "a protracted discussion" to describe a conversation that lasted longer than expected or was tedious. For example: "The merger negotiations involved "a protracted discussion" about financial details".

What are some alternatives to "a protracted discussion"?

Alternatives include "a lengthy debate", "an extended conversation", or "a prolonged negotiation", depending on the context and the nature of the discussion.

Is "a protracted discussion" formal or informal?

"A protracted discussion" is generally considered formal due to the use of the word "protracted". In informal contexts, simpler terms like "a long discussion" might be more appropriate.

What does "protracted" emphasize in "a protracted discussion"?

"Protracted" emphasizes the duration and often the tedious or drawn-out nature of the discussion. It suggests the discussion took longer than anticipated or desired.