prolong the discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prolong the discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to extending or lengthening a conversation or debate on a particular topic. Example: "We should not prolong the discussion any further; let's make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As with all great barroom chats, the answers didn't matter, only our ability to prolong the discussion with quips ("It's not a village," Ray said. "It's a hamlet!") and additional rounds of drinks.

The New York Times - Travel

His mention of Roosevelt on Monday could indicate that he is laying the groundwork for a return, or could merely be a tactic to prolong the discussion of his political future to avoid being viewed as a lame duck.

The New York Times

If the discussion item is not important to you, do not prolong the discussion by being a devil's advocate.

Science Magazine

Madam President, I do not want to prolong the discussion, but an explanation of vote means, I am explaining why I voted in such and such a way.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

People involved in the negotiations said a deal could come as soon as this week, but cautioned that volatile markets in the wake of last week's terrorist attacks against the United States could prolong the discussions.

The New York Times

There had been some expectation prior to the team's visit that Iran would seek to prolong the discussions as part of what some Western diplomats have called a pattern of delaying and extending negotiations to buy time while its nuclear engineers enrich more uranium.

The New York Times

That book, a case for going to war against Iraq, portrays the Clinton administration (in which Pollack served) prolonging the discussions while recoiling from the big decisions, equivocating, shifting ground, always looking to keep options open.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr President, I am sorry to prolong this discussion, but may I build on what was just said by my colleagues, Mrs Doyle and Mrs Frassoni?

EU Parlament

You prolong the guy".

The New York Times - Sports

Why prolong the illusion?

The Guardian - Sport

That will prolong the recession.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a concise and efficient meeting, avoid phrases or tangents that might "prolong the discussion" unnecessarily. Stick to the agenda and manage time effectively.

Common error

Be mindful of using overly technical or field-specific terms during discussions. While expertise is valuable, using jargon excessively can "prolong the discussion" by alienating participants and requiring constant clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prolong the discussion" functions as a verb phrase, where "prolong" acts as a transitive verb taking "the discussion" as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase's usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prolong the discussion" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes extending the duration of a conversation or debate. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts. While not exceptionally common, the phrase is readily understood and appropriate for both neutral and formal settings. To enhance clarity and conciseness in communication, consider alternative phrasings such as "extend the discussion" or "lengthen the discussion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extend the discussion

Replaces "prolong" with "extend", indicating a similar action of lengthening the discussion's duration.

lengthen the discussion

Substitutes "prolong" with "lengthen", offering a synonymous way to express increasing the discussion's duration.

continue the discussion

Replaces "prolong" with "continue", focusing on the act of maintaining the discussion rather than extending it.

draw out the discussion

Uses the phrasal verb "draw out" instead of "prolong", implying a deliberate action to extend the discussion, often unnecessarily.

protract the discussion

Replaces "prolong" with the more formal "protract", suggesting a deliberate lengthening of the discussion, often in a formal setting.

drag out the discussion

Uses "drag out" instead of "prolong", suggesting that the discussion is being extended tediously or against the wishes of some participants.

stretch out the discussion

Uses the phrasal verb "stretch out" instead of "prolong", giving an impression that the discussion is being artificially extended.

delay the discussion

Substitutes "prolong" with "delay", implying that the discussion is being postponed or its conclusion is being put off.

spin out the discussion

Replaces "prolong" with the phrasal verb "spin out", suggesting an artful way of prolonging something.

expand the discussion

Replaces prolong with expand. This suggests an increase in the breadth of topics discussed rather than the duration of the discussion itself.

FAQs

What does it mean to "prolong the discussion"?

To "prolong the discussion" means to extend its duration, possibly beyond what is necessary or originally intended. This can occur due to various factors, such as the introduction of new points, digressions, or a lack of clear decision-making.

What are some alternative ways to say "prolong the discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "extend the discussion", "lengthen the discussion", or "continue the discussion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I avoid "prolonging the discussion" unnecessarily?

To keep discussions concise, prepare an agenda, stick to relevant topics, manage time effectively, and ensure clear decision-making processes. Discourage tangential conversations that do not contribute directly to the main objective.

Is it ever beneficial to "prolong the discussion"?

Sometimes, "prolonging the discussion" can be beneficial when complex issues require thorough exploration or when seeking input from all stakeholders is crucial. However, this should be a deliberate choice, not an unintended consequence of poor meeting management.