dragging on

USAGE SUMMARY

"dragging on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a situation that is taking a very long time or tiresomely dragging on. For example, "The meeting went on for hours, dragging on into the evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Microsoft's antitrust battles in court and with regulators seem to have been dragging on forever.

The Economist

This Beatles-on-iTunes speculation has been dragging on forever.

TechCrunch

The government, another engine of past recoveries, also is dragging on this one.

The New York Times

They're dragging on the ground.

The New York Times

However, those talks are still dragging on.

The Economist

You there, dragging on that cigarette.

The New York Times

This has been dragging on since September.

The New York Times - Health

But the negotiations have been dragging on.

The New York Times

He added: "I don't want this thing dragging on.

The New York Times

Presidential election is dragging on into its 6th day.

The New Yorker

European antitrust cases have a habit of dragging on.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dragging on" when you want to emphasize the wearisome or tedious nature of a prolonged situation. It implies that the duration is longer than desired or expected.

Common error

While "dragging on" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "protracted" or "extended" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dragging on" functions as a present participle verb phrase, often part of a continuous verb tense. It typically describes an action or event that is prolonging or continuing for an extended duration, frequently with negative connotations, which is supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dragging on" is a present participle verb phrase used to describe something extending longer than desired. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in English. While common in news and media, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives such as "protracted" or "extended" in academic settings. Usage implies frustration or impatience about the lengthy duration of something. Keep in mind that although often used in news or general conversations, more accurate and formal words may be required for academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuing for too long

Directly expresses the undesirable length of the duration.

protracted

Highlights the extended duration, often in a formal context.

going on and on

An informal way to describe something that's excessively long.

taking forever

An emphatic way to express a long duration.

prolonging

Focuses on the act of intentionally lengthening something.

stretching out

Visually suggests an extension in time or space.

lingering

Emphasizes a slow and reluctant departure or ending.

persisting

Indicates a stubborn or unwavering continuation.

becoming tedious

Emphasizes the boredom and weariness associated with prolonged duration.

enduring

Highlights the aspect of tolerating something for a long time.

FAQs

How can I use "dragging on" in a sentence?

You can use "dragging on" to describe something that is continuing for longer than expected or desired, such as "The negotiations are "dragging on", with no resolution in sight."

What's a more formal way to say "dragging on"?

For a more formal tone, consider using terms like "protracted", "extended", or "prolonged" instead of ""dragging on"".

Is it correct to say "dragging on and on"?

Yes, saying "dragging on and on" is a valid and commonly used way to emphasize that something is taking an excessively long time.

When is it appropriate to use "dragging on"?

It's appropriate to use ""dragging on"" in situations where you want to convey a sense of impatience or frustration about the length of a process, event, or situation.