long-running argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long-running argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a debate or disagreement that has persisted over a significant period of time. Example: "The long-running argument about climate change policies continues to divide opinions among experts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The long-running argument with this process has been: how much does character count?

The New York Times - Sports

Like a lot of new ideas, Media Cloud started with a long-running argument among friends.

The New York Times - Arts

The first is a long-running argument about who has the right to what piece of land.

The Economist

But the evangelical tradition was already engaged in a strenuous and long-running argument with other branches of the church.

The New Yorker

"Can you settle a long-running argument in our office about how to pronounce OBO?" says Matt Densham.

The Guardian - Sport

As for democracy, this is a long-running argument we have been having with our American colleagues.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Economists have also been locked in their own long-running arguments about how to make the banking industry safer.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the long-running arguments about assimilation versus multiculturalism, secular France has always stood firmly for the first.

The Economist

And an oil and natural-gas drilling boom has exacerbated long-running arguments about land rights and environmentalism.

The New Yorker

In many cases they take on long-running arguments between parties that have not previously shown much interest in finding a solution to their differences.

The Economist

Today, in part because of long-running arguments over capital punishment, California has the largest death row in the nation, with more than 500 inmates sentenced to die.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long-running argument" to describe disputes that have persisted over time, especially when highlighting their historical context or ongoing impact.

Common error

While "long-running argument" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "protracted dispute" or "ongoing debate" for stylistic variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-running argument" functions as a noun phrase, where "long-running" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "argument". As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a disagreement that has persisted for an extended period. It's commonly used to introduce or refer to an ongoing issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

7%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long-running argument" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a dispute that has persisted over time. As noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the duration and ongoing nature of the disagreement. It's frequently found in news and media sources, with less common usage in academic or formal business settings. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse and consider employing synonyms like "protracted dispute" or "ongoing debate" to enhance stylistic variation. Its neutral tone makes it widely applicable, though formal contexts may benefit from more sophisticated alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted dispute

This alternative emphasizes the extended duration and contentious nature of the disagreement.

ongoing debate

This alternative highlights the continuous and unresolved nature of the discussion.

persistent contention

This alternative stresses the enduring and conflicting aspect of the issue.

longstanding disagreement

This phrase underscores the established and unresolved status of the difference of opinion.

enduring controversy

This alternative emphasizes the lasting and publicly debated nature of the issue.

perennial conflict

This phrase suggests that the conflict recurs regularly and is a persistent feature.

chronic dispute

This alternative indicates that the dispute is ongoing and difficult to resolve.

unresolved issue

This phrase emphasizes that the matter has not been settled or decided.

continuous disagreement

This alternative simply emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the disagreement.

lingering debate

This alternative indicates that the debate continues to exist or develop for longer than expected.

FAQs

How can I use "long-running argument" in a sentence?

You can use "long-running argument" to describe a dispute or disagreement that has continued for a considerable period, as in "The "long-running argument" over land rights has yet to be resolved."

What can I say instead of "long-running argument"?

You can use alternatives like "protracted dispute", "ongoing debate", or "longstanding disagreement" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "long-running argument" and "heated debate"?

"Long-running argument" emphasizes the duration of the disagreement, while "heated debate" focuses on the intensity and passion involved in the discussion. A "long-running argument" may or may not be heated, and a heated debate may or may not be long-running.

Is "long-running argument" formal or informal?

"Long-running argument" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "protracted dispute" may be more appropriate for academic or professional writing.