it drags

USAGE SUMMARY

"it drags" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but typically describes something that is moving or progressing slowly or tediously. Example: "The movie was so boring, it dragged on for hours and I couldn't wait for it to end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And – Sophocles's vicious tyrant – it drags its possessors (or its slaves) about the place, heartlessly.

Independent

While it drags its feet, services providing specialist provision for black and minority ethnic (BME) women are at crisis point.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It drags you into its world and forces you to play by its own set of deranged rules.

Vice

It drags one in the wake of its moral inertia.

The New Yorker

"Basses, it drags there".

The New York Times

It drags down the mood.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes it drags rather than thrills.

The Guardian

It drags, unlike Bazzana's Glenn Gould book.

The New York Times - Books

I think it drags in the middle.

The Guardian

The longer it drags on, the more the country suffers.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The cat eventually does return, but fatally mangled--it drags itself in & dies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "it drags" when describing something positive or exciting, as the phrase carries a negative connotation. Instead, opt for more enthusiastic and energetic language.

Common error

While acceptable, "it drags" might sound too informal in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "it is protracted" or "it is unduly prolonged" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it drags" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig examples show its use to describe a process, event, or state that is slow, tedious, or undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it drags" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to articulate the sluggish or tedious nature of an event, process, or abstract concept. Analysis by Ludwig reveals that while perfectly acceptable and versatile, the phrase is slightly informal and may benefit from more polished alternatives in certain professional settings. Ludwig examples demonstrate its prevalence in news and media, with a minor presence in scientific and general contexts, indicating broad applicability for expressing frustration or disapproval regarding slow or protracted progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is a drag

A more informal way of saying that something is unpleasant or boring.

it is slow

A simple and direct way to express that something lacks speed or momentum.

it is tedious

This alternative emphasizes the boring and monotonous nature of something.

it is protracted

This emphasizes the excessive length and duration of something.

it becomes tiresome

Highlights the feeling of annoyance or impatience as something progresses.

it is wearisome

This suggests that something causes fatigue or exhaustion.

it is a slog

Implies a difficult and laborious effort or progress.

it slows down progress

This suggests something is making advancement slower.

it holds things back

Focuses on the hindering or delaying effect of something.

it is burdensome

This alternative emphasizes the heaviness and oppressiveness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it drags" in a sentence?

You can use "it drags" to describe something that is slow, tedious, or unpleasant. For instance, "The meeting was so long; "it drags" on and on".

What are some alternatives to "it drags"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it is tedious", "it is slow", or "it is a drag".

Is "it drags" formal or informal?

"It drags" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly informal. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives such as "it is protracted".

What's the difference between "it drags" and "it is a drag"?

"It drags" emphasizes the action of slowing down or prolonging something tediously, while "it is a drag" is a more general expression of something being unpleasant or undesirable. They are often interchangeable, but the former highlights the temporal aspect more.