complex and protracted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex and protracted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, process, or issue that is both complicated and lengthy in duration. Example: "The negotiations were complex and protracted, taking several months to reach a resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He described the inquiries as long, complex and protracted.

Independent

Both situations are without precedent and the negotiations are likely to be complex and protracted.

The Guardian

This should be an essential part of the T.T.I.P., but early signs point to the negotiations being complex and protracted.

The New York Times

This might prove a simple exercise, although occasionally (and often for historical reasons) it can prove a more complex and protracted process.

The Guardian

OTTAWA — An Ontario court acquitted three former senior executives of the failed Nortel Networks on Monday in a complex and protracted fraud case.

The New York Times - Tech

A complex and protracted controversy, centring on the right of congregations to exclude candidates for the ministry whom they thought unsuitable, ended in schism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Recruitment to trials is complex and often protracted; selection bias may compromise generalisability.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

There is little dispute that the key reason underlying nuclear waste's unfolding complex story of "controversy, litigation, and protracted delay" lies with grave public concerns over "adequate protection of public health and safety and the environment" [2].

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The solution to location optimization for an E-service network is a difficult, complex, tedious, and protracted process which requires evaluation to be made on a number of aspects according to certain criteria.

Knowledge-Based Systems

Dugongs, which are classified as vulnerable to extinction, have long lifespans and protracted breeding cycles and give birth to single offspring at irregular intervals, implying a complex pedigree without distinct generational structure or large sibling groups.

Biological Conservation

Exit negotiations could be complicated and protracted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing negotiations, investigations, or processes, using "complex and protracted" effectively conveys both the intricate nature and the extended duration, providing a comprehensive understanding of the undertaking.

Common error

Avoid using "complex and protracted" when describing simple or straightforward situations. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios genuinely characterized by both intricacy and length.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex and protracted" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun, typically describing a process, negotiation, or situation. According to Ludwig, it emphasizes both the intricacy and the extended duration of whatever it is describing. Examples show this usage in contexts ranging from legal cases to scientific processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complex and protracted" is a well-established expression used to describe situations characterized by both intricacy and extended duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it's suited for formal communication. When employing this phrase, consider whether a simpler alternative might suffice for straightforward scenarios. Understanding the nuance it provides—emphasizing both intricacy and length—allows for its most effective use. Semantically similar alternatives include "complicated and lengthy" or "intricate and prolonged".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicated and lengthy

Replaces "complex" with "complicated" and "protracted" with "lengthy", focusing on the difficulty and duration.

intricate and prolonged

Substitutes "complex" with "intricate" to emphasize the detailed nature, and "protracted" with "prolonged" to highlight the extended timeframe.

convoluted and extended

Uses "convoluted" instead of "complex" to stress the intricate and difficult-to-follow nature, and "extended" for duration.

involved and sustained

Replaces "complex" with "involved", suggesting intricacy, and "protracted" with "sustained" emphasizing the continuous nature over time.

elaborate and ongoing

Uses "elaborate" to convey complexity and "ongoing" to indicate the continuing nature of the process.

tortuous and drawn-out

Replaces "complex" with "tortuous" to suggest a difficult path, and "protracted" with "drawn-out" for a prolonged duration.

byzantine and lengthy

Uses "byzantine" to convey extreme complexity and "lengthy" to refer to the duration.

multifaceted and lingering

Replaces "complex" with "multifaceted" highlighting the many aspects, and "protracted" with "lingering" suggesting something that remains for a long time.

sophisticated and persistent

Uses "sophisticated" to imply complexity, and "persistent" to highlight the continuing nature.

detailed and elongated

Replaces complex with detailed and protracted with elongated. Emphasizing the level of detail and the duration.

FAQs

How can I use "complex and protracted" in a sentence?

You can use "complex and protracted" to describe processes, negotiations, or investigations that are both complicated and lengthy. For example: "The negotiations were "complex and protracted", requiring multiple sessions over several months."

What are some alternatives to "complex and protracted"?

Alternatives include "complicated and lengthy", "intricate and prolonged", or "involved and sustained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use both "complex" and "protracted" together?

While both words suggest difficulty, "complex" emphasizes intricacy and "protracted" emphasizes duration. Using them together provides a more complete picture of the situation.

In what situations is "complex and protracted" most appropriate?

"Complex and protracted" is best suited for describing situations involving detailed processes and extended timeframes, such as legal battles, international negotiations, or scientific research projects.