prolonged debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prolonged debate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a lengthy discussion on a certain topic. For example, "After a prolonged debate, the board finally made a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Ranit Schmelzer, a spokeswoman for Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota, the Democratic leader, said: "Sixty is the magic number to stop prolonged debate on a bill.

The New York Times

Senator Trent Lott, the majority leader, agreed today that the Senate would consider an overhaul of the campaign finance law in March and said he would discourage efforts to kill the legislation through prolonged debate.

The New York Times

I don't see a prolonged debate".

The New York Times

Tebow's candidacy has a chance to bring the prolonged debate to a historic new ending.

The New York Times - Sports

But that volume, published by Edward Capell, merely opened a prolonged debate about the play's authorship.

The New York Times

The officials, familiar with the prolonged debate over whether to vaccinate against the disease -- and if so, whom -- said Mr. Rumsfeld had not yet approved the recommendation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The study finds that the interconnected character of claims made by actors, and the ready switching between modes of action observed, point to a situated and dynamic expression of rationality within these contested and prolonged debates on how to legitimately and effectively govern rural environments.

Journal of Rural Studies

And so today, it's important to remember that even as we have struggled and wrangled and argued over when and how we would actually start doing the right thing, men and women in the LGBT community have nevertheless continued to fight for us, and defend our right to live free and have these prolonged debates.

Huffington Post

The fact that charitable and private donations are now essential to saving the subject in comprehensives is likely to prolong debate about its place in the curriculum.

The Guardian

The filibuster can usefully prolong debate on the most extreme measures, but its automatic use has left the chamber nearly dysfunctional.

The New York Times

Any senator has the right to prolong debate on an issue, unless 60 senators vote to cut off a filibuster, a move known as cloture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prolonged debate" when you want to emphasize the length and possibly the intensity of a discussion or argument. It suggests that the topic has been discussed extensively without a quick resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "prolonged debate" repetitively within the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "lengthy deliberation" or "extended discussion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prolonged debate" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "prolonged" modifies the noun "debate". It describes a discussion or argument that has extended for a considerable duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prolonged debate" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe a discussion or argument that has lasted for a significant amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its primary function is to emphasize the duration of the debate, often implying complexity or contention. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "lengthy deliberation" or "extended discussion" to maintain variety. The phrase is frequently found in news media, reflecting its relevance in describing political, social, and economic discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended discussion

Focuses on the length of the discussion rather than the contentious aspect of a debate.

lengthy deliberation

Emphasizes the careful and thorough consideration involved.

protracted argument

Highlights the potentially contentious nature of the debate.

drawn-out controversy

Indicates a disagreement that has lasted for a significant period.

long-running dispute

Implies a disagreement that has persisted over time.

enduring contention

Stresses the continued and unresolved nature of the disagreement.

sustained controversy

Focuses on the continuous nature of the disagreement.

long-standing argument

Implies that the argument has existed for a considerable amount of time.

extended period of discussion

More verbose alternative, emphasizing the duration of the discussion.

long and involved discussion

Emphasizes both the length and complexity of the discussion.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "prolonged debate" in a sentence?

Use "prolonged debate" to describe a discussion that has lasted for a significant amount of time and often involves differing viewpoints. For example, "The bill was passed after a "prolonged debate" in the Senate".

What are some synonyms for "prolonged debate"?

Alternatives to "prolonged debate" include "extended discussion", "lengthy deliberation", or "protracted argument". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "prolonged debate" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "prolonged debate" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing policy discussions, legal proceedings, or academic arguments. Its use suggests a serious and thorough examination of the subject.

What's the difference between "prolonged debate" and "heated discussion"?

"Prolonged debate" emphasizes the length of the discussion, while "heated discussion" focuses on the intensity and emotional involvement of the participants. A "prolonged debate" may or may not be heated, and a heated discussion may or may not be prolonged.