prolongation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'prolongation' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a situation in which something is lengthened or extended in time, duration, or extent. For example: "The subway service was disrupted due to a prolonged period of maintenance work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In this case, prolongation of life should trump reproduction.

The Economist

Until Monday night's broadcast, the tedious prolongation of the inquiry could be blamed on Mr Clinton's stonewalling.

The Economist

This would have put them first and second on the list had Dr Murray lumped them together rather than listed each type separately.Partly, these changes are a consequence of the prolongation of life itself.

The Economist

The difficulty, when arguing for its prolongation at home, is that this imperial legacy is irrelevant to many Britons and to the most devoted Scottish nationalists it is abhorrent.The dominant strain in Scottish nationalism argues for independence not to redress some assumed ancestral wrong but to save Scotland from Britain's neoliberal consensus.

The Economist

And that hope was fulfilled.Though the prolongation of life offered by the antibody was not huge 3½ months, on average it was real.

The Economist

Until very recently, most of the increase has been due to better survival in childhood and youth, rather than the increased prolongation of middle age into old age.

The Economist

When will you stop trusting in free schools and recognise the mounting data against them?Magnus Westergren New YorkO, say can you see…SIR – Kudos for not depicting the United States as some prolongation of British history ("A different story", November 16th).

The Economist

Tail, in zoology, prolongation of the backbone beyond the trunk of the body, or any slender projection resembling such a structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Better health has raised productivity by a reduction in absenteeism and by a prolongation of the working life during which the economy reaps the benefit of the education and training the worker has received.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The tail bud is formed from parts that have already been differentiated to a certain extent; prolongations of the neural tube and of the notochord are involved, and endoderm extends into the tail rudiment as the postanal gut, which, however, soon degenerates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Colombia used to have a reputation as the most conservative and traditional of Latin America's larger republics, the place where the purest Spanish was spoken, where the Catholic religion was most venerated, and where the old colonial ways, and their 19th-century prolongations, were most tenacious.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prolongation" when you want to emphasize the act of extending something in time, duration, or scope. It's often used in formal or technical contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "prolongation" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler words like "extension" or "continuation" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "prolongation" is that of a noun. It acts as the subject or object of a verb, denoting the act or result of prolonging something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "prolongation" is a grammatically sound noun frequently used to describe the act of extending something in time, duration, or scope. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific discussions. While versatile, "prolongation" leans towards formal and technical registers. For more casual scenarios, consider alternatives such as "extension" or "continuation". Remember to use "prolongation" when you want to convey a deliberate increase in duration or scope, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extension

Refers to the act of making something longer or more extensive.

lengthening

Emphasizes making something longer, particularly in a physical sense or in duration.

continuation

Suggests the act of something ongoing without interruption.

protraction

Implies extending something, often in a tedious or undesirable way.

perpetuation

Focuses on making something continue indefinitely or for a very long time.

elongation

Describes making something longer, often in a more technical or scientific context.

increase in duration

Specifically highlights making the time something lasts longer.

expansion

Indicates an increase in size, scope, or extent.

perpetuating

Implies causing something to continue indefinitely.

extending

General term for making something longer or more expansive.

FAQs

How is "prolongation" typically used in a sentence?

"Prolongation" is often used to describe the act of extending something, such as "the prolongation of life" or "the prolongation of a process". It's a noun, so it's often preceded by articles or possessive pronouns.

What are some synonyms for "prolongation"?

Some synonyms for "prolongation" include "extension", "continuation", "lengthening", and "protraction". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "prolongation" or "extension"?

Both "prolongation" and "extension" can be used to describe making something longer. "Prolongation" often implies a more deliberate or significant increase in duration or scope, while "extension" can be more general.

What does "prolongation of life" mean?

"Prolongation of life" refers to the act of extending someone's lifespan, typically through medical interventions or lifestyle changes. It's often discussed in ethical and medical contexts.