it was prolonged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was prolonged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that has been extended in duration beyond what was expected or usual. Example: "The meeting was supposed to last an hour, but it was prolonged due to the numerous questions from the attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It was prolonged.

The New York Times

It was prolonged, crescendoing agony for them".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Today, in Bethlehem, it was prolonged.

The New Yorker

"It was prolonged torture involving metal and physical suffering being inflicted before death," he said.

Independent

In Miami, political and legal experts said the Elian affair would not do Miami any good if it was prolonged even more.

The New York Times

"And it was prolonged because it seemed easier to muddle through than admit that it had been caused by tragic decisions, made by five American Presidents, belonging to both political parties".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It was prolonging the agony before you could actually say goodbye to your baby.

BMJ Open

When Salander is raped, the scene registers as a horror; it's prolonged and discomforting.

The New Yorker

By contrast, he said, the road to foreclosure is lined with fees, especially if it is prolonged.

The New York Times

Rabies has been around since antiquity, and death from it is prolonged and agonizing, with the victim succumbing to terrifying hallucinations and fear of water.

The New York Times - Health

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said this week that it opposed detention of asylum seekers, "particularly when it is prolonged and when it involves minors, which is the case in Australia".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or processes, use "it was prolonged" to clearly indicate that the duration exceeded initial expectations. This can add emphasis to the length of time involved.

Common error

Avoid using "it was prolonged" when a simpler alternative like "it was long" would suffice. Opt for conciseness in straightforward situations to maintain clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was prolonged" typically functions as a passive construction indicating that something's duration was extended beyond its initial or expected timeframe. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was prolonged" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something lasted longer than expected. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific literature. While alternatives like "it was extended" exist, "it was prolonged" often implies an element of unexpectedness or undesirability. Therefore, use this phrase when you specifically want to emphasize the extended duration of an event or process beyond its anticipated timeframe. Pay attention to context to ensure it's the most appropriate choice, avoiding overuse in situations where simpler alternatives suffice. With a high expert rating of 4.5, this phrase is a reliable option for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was extended

Focuses on the act of making something longer.

it was lengthened

Similar to 'extended', but often implies a physical increase in length or duration.

it was protracted

Implies an unnecessarily long duration, often with negative connotations.

it was stretched out

Suggests that the duration was made longer, sometimes artificially.

it was drawn out

Similar to 'stretched out', implying a gradual and often tedious extension.

it was spun out

Implies extending something, in some cases the story.

it was continued

Focuses on the ongoing nature of something.

it was sustained

Emphasizes the maintenance of something over a longer period.

it went on

A more informal way of saying something continued for a long time.

it persisted

Highlights the continuous existence or occurrence of something, often despite obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "it was prolonged" in a sentence?

Use "it was prolonged" to describe a situation or event that lasted longer than expected. For instance, "The meeting was scheduled for an hour, but "it was prolonged" due to extensive discussions".

What are some alternatives to "it was prolonged"?

Alternatives include "it was extended", "it was lengthened", or "it was protracted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it was prolonged" over "it was long"?

"It was prolonged" is suitable when emphasizing that something lasted longer than initially anticipated or desired. "It was long" simply indicates duration, without necessarily implying an unexpected extension.

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

While similar, "it was prolonged" often suggests an undesirable or unexpected increase in duration, whereas "it was extended" is a more neutral term for making something longer.