it has been prolonged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been prolonged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that was expected to be short or brief, but instead has gone on for a longer period of time than anticipated. For example, "The repair on the car was supposed to take a few hours, but it has been prolonged, and the mechanic tells us it could take a couple of days."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

1824, 85 L.Ed.2d 1985(1985) (STEVENS, J., concurring) ("If it appears that unmeritorious litigation has been prolonged merely for the purposes of delay, with no legitimate prospect of success, an award of double costs and damages occasioned by the delay may be appropriate".).

Cornell University

It may be the legal case has been prolonged and complex.

The Guardian - Film

The honeymoon has been prolonged and, if the polls are to be believed, it is not over yet.

HuffPost

The danger to our soldiers has been prolonged by those on the frontbench who have the power to stop it".

The Guardian - Opinion

Parenthood has the sense of the unknown built into its very structure and fools us into believing that our youth has been prolonged and our journey uncharted.

Huffington Post

Some even say their life has been prolonged because they are so much happier and more secure in a community.

The New York Times

A state of emergency has been prolonged for a 14th year.

The Economist

The reality, though, is that Swansea's slump has been prolonged and can be traced back to the famous victory over Bradford at Wembley.

The Guardian - Sport

The increase of NDVI in spring and autumn suggests the growing season of the vegetation in this study area has been prolonged.

Advances in Space Research

The process has been prolonged, and some of the group's members, like Mr. Lennon, have grown more frustrated.

The New York Times

For both Jews and Poles, the wounds from World War II have been slow to heal, and therefore the process of mourning has been prolonged and incomplete.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has been prolonged" to describe events, processes, or situations that were initially expected to be shorter but have lasted longer than anticipated. This phrasing adds a level of formality suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it has been prolonged by itself" without specifying what 'it' refers to. Ensure the subject is clear to prevent ambiguity and maintain clarity in your writing. For example, instead of just saying "it has been prolonged", specify "The meeting has been prolonged."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been prolonged" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something has been extended or made longer. It is generally used to describe situations where the duration of an event or process has exceeded initial expectations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has been prolonged" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe situations or processes that have extended beyond their expected duration. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase appears infrequently in the analyzed data. It's most appropriately used in neutral and somewhat formal contexts. Related phrases like "it has been extended" or "it has been drawn out" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been extended

Focuses on the act of making something longer in duration.

it has been protracted

Highlights the length and tediousness of the extension.

it has been drawn out

Emphasizes the dragging or artificially lengthening of something.

it has been lengthened

Similar to 'extended' but can also refer to physical length.

it has continued longer than expected

Explicitly states that the duration exceeded initial expectations.

it has gone on for longer

A more informal way to express the same idea.

it has overstayed its welcome

Implies that something has continued for too long and is now undesirable.

it is taking longer than anticipated

Shifts the focus to the ongoing process and its duration.

the deadline has been pushed back

Specifically refers to extending a deadline.

the process has been expanded

Indicates the process has been made bigger

FAQs

How can I use "it has been prolonged" in a sentence?

You can use "it has been prolonged" to describe a situation that has lasted longer than expected. For example, "The negotiation process "it has been prolonged" due to unforeseen complications."

What are some alternatives to "it has been prolonged"?

Some alternatives include "it has been extended", "it has been protracted", or "it has been drawn out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it has been prolonged" formal or informal?

"It has been prolonged" leans towards the formal side. For more informal options, consider phrases like "it's taking longer than we thought" or "it's dragging on".

What's the difference between "it has been prolonged" and "it was prolonged"?

"It has been prolonged" implies the action is complete and the effect is continuing to the present. "It was prolonged" simply states that the action happened in the past, without necessarily implying a continuing effect. For example, "The meeting "it has been prolonged", so we'll have to continue tomorrow" (ongoing effect) vs. "The meeting "it was prolonged" by an hour yesterday" (past event).