lengthy argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lengthy argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion or debate that is extensive or prolonged in duration. Example: "The lengthy argument between the two scholars lasted for hours, covering various aspects of the controversial topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It was his mother, and they got into a lengthy argument.

The New York Times - Sports

Ascham instigated a lengthy argument, continued by succeeding theorists and poets, on the nature of English prosody.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Torre popped from the dugout for a lengthy argument with Dreckman, gesturing with his hands and shouting.

The New York Times - Sports

Dr. Burgess was able to persuade the company that she should not go home only after a lengthy argument.

The New York Times - Health

"We have Parliament on the cheap here," he points out.There is no doubt that lengthy argument about disputed facts in oral hearings would be counter-productive.

The Economist

Her comments followed a lengthy argument with Danczuk on the social network about his decision to mark National Pakistan Day on 23 March in his constituency of Rochdale by raising the Pakistani flag for 30 minutes.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"It was full of graphs, tables, formulas, and lengthy arguments," he said.

The New Yorker

The court's lengthy arguments pave the way for challenges to Mr Zardari's right to sit in parliament.Morality, said the court, cannot be divorced from the constitution.

The Economist

For more detailed, technical, or lengthy arguments, try to give the global overall picture first so that the reader is not as afraid to delve into the details.

Princeton University

Passage of no-fault insurance legislation also stimulated rental growth by eliminating lengthy arguments over who should pay for repairs after traffic collisions.

The New York Times

Mr. Lieberman, who spent more than a year promoting his "third way" plan, said his colleagues had the chance to accomplish more than lengthy arguments about who controls spending.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lengthy argument", consider the context. If you want to emphasize the tedious nature of the discussion, choose a more evocative alternative like "long-winded debate".

Common error

While "lengthy argument" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Instead, opt for more precise terms like "extensive deliberation" or "sustained disagreement" to convey nuances more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy argument" functions as a noun phrase, with "lengthy" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "argument". As shown by Ludwig, it commonly describes a prolonged disagreement. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI which states it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lengthy argument" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a prolonged disagreement or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It finds frequent use in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, consider more precise alternatives like "protracted dispute" or "extended debate" for specific contexts. While the phrase is acceptable as per Ludwig, be mindful to avoid overuse in formal writings. Overall, it's a useful phrase to have in one's vocabulary as long as it is applied judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted dispute

Emphasizes the drawn-out nature of the disagreement, highlighting the delay in resolution.

extended debate

Focuses on the formal discussion aspect, suggesting a structured and potentially academic exchange.

drawn-out controversy

Highlights the divisive and public nature of the argument, implying widespread disagreement.

prolonged discussion

Neutral term focusing on the duration of the conversation, suitable for various contexts.

extensive deliberation

Suggests a careful and thorough consideration of the issue, often in a formal setting.

sustained disagreement

Highlights the continuous and unwavering nature of the difference in opinion.

long-winded debate

Implies that the discussion is unnecessarily long and possibly tedious.

never-ending quarrel

Emphasizes the repetitive and seemingly irresolvable nature of the disagreement.

endless wrangling

Suggests a contentious and often petty back-and-forth exchange.

tedious disputation

Highlights the boring and exhausting nature of the argument.

FAQs

How can I use "lengthy argument" in a sentence?

You can use "lengthy argument" to describe a prolonged disagreement or discussion, as in "The decision was made after a lengthy argument among the board members."

What are some alternatives to "lengthy argument"?

Alternatives include "protracted dispute", "extended debate", or "prolonged discussion", depending on the specific context.

Is "lengthy argument" formal or informal?

"Lengthy argument" is suitable for neutral contexts. In more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "extensive deliberation".

What's the difference between "lengthy argument" and "heated debate"?

"Lengthy argument" emphasizes the duration of the disagreement, while "heated debate" focuses on the intensity and emotional nature of the discussion.