a protracted interval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a protracted interval" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lengthy or extended period of time, often implying that the duration is longer than expected or desired. Example: "The negotiations took place over a protracted interval, leading to significant delays in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Indeed, dominance becomes the special case because it is dependent on a particular juxtaposition of tectonic and/or climatic elements over a protracted interval in a given area.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Organs can heal or scar following toxic exposures, with fibrosis predominating when the injurious agent cannot be eradicated by the host defense system, as occurs with certain infections; or is repeatedly introduced over a protracted interval of time as occurs in asbestosis, silicosis or alcohol-induced hepatic cirrhosis.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Both Minnewaska and Mohonk reveal a protracted drought interval in the middle Holocene, ~ 5700 4100 cal yr BP, during which Pinus rigida colonized the watershed, lake levels fell, and frequent fires led to enhanced hillslope erosion.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

In ovarian cancer, for example, it has been shown that response is less likely in patients who have failed the previous treatment after only a short interval compared to those who have a protracted failure-free interval [Gynecol. Oncol. 36 (1990) 207].

Controlled Clinical Trials

I had evidence that we were doing it better, and could never have imagined the protracted interval of shame I would experience as an adult, when people around me would ask, quite rightly, just what Americans thought they were doing.

Huffington Post

A protracted silence.

The New York Times - Magazine

What followed was a protracted negotiation.

The New York Times - Health

A protracted three-way bidding war ensued.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, a protracted trench war is likely to lie ahead.

The Economist

Spaniards have not only been living under a protracted recession.

The New York Times

He is a loud agitation in a protracted dead calm.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a protracted interval" when you want to emphasize that a period of time was longer than expected, particularly due to specific circumstances or resistance to change.

Common error

Avoid using "a protracted interval" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "a long time" or "an extended period" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a protracted interval" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "protracted" modifies the noun "interval". It describes a period of time that is extended or prolonged, as seen in Ludwig's examples relating to drought intervals and periods of shame.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a protracted interval" is a phrase used to describe a period of time that is longer than expected, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a formal register. When writing, consider simpler alternatives like "a lengthy period" for informal settings. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the need to emphasize the extended duration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy period

Focuses on the duration being long or extended.

an extended timeframe

Highlights the temporal aspect and its expansion.

a prolonged duration

Emphasizes the continuation of time.

a drawn-out interval

Suggests that the interval felt longer than it should have.

a sustained period

Implies that something was maintained consistently over time.

a long-lasting phase

Focuses on the enduring nature of the phase.

a chronic timeframe

Draws on the medical term 'chronic' to underline persistence.

a lingering span

Suggests the time has lingered, almost unwilling to end.

a persistent interval

Implies the interval stubbornly continues, perhaps against desire.

a stretched-out period

Highlights the feeling that the time has been made longer than it needed to be.

FAQs

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

Use "a protracted interval" to describe a period that is longer than expected or considered normal. For example, "The negotiations took place over "a protracted interval", causing delays."

What are some alternatives to "a protracted interval"?

Alternatives include "a lengthy period", "an extended timeframe", or "a prolonged duration". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a protracted interval" formal or informal?

"A protracted interval" leans towards a more formal register. It's suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing, but might sound out of place in casual conversation. Use alternatives if a less formal tone is desired.

What makes "a protracted interval" different from "a long time"?

"A long time" is a general expression for a significant duration. "A protracted interval", on the other hand, suggests that the period was unexpectedly or undesirably long, often implying difficulty or resistance. It is similar to "a drawn-out interval".