prolonged periods

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prolonged periods" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe extended durations of time, often in contexts related to health, stress, or activities that require endurance. Example: "The study found that individuals exposed to prolonged periods of stress were more likely to experience health issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shackling for prolonged periods.

The Guardian

These went on for prolonged periods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No longer are prolonged periods of rest recommended.

The New York Times

Many manufacturing and service occupations require prolonged periods of standing.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

In the United States, new regulations tend to come after prolonged periods of prosperity.

The New York Times

The one insurmountable fact is that Genzken suffers from prolonged periods of mental ill-health.

The Guardian - Arts

She copied the description of the disruptive neurological effects of prolonged periods of high stress.

The New Yorker

Each had required prolonged periods of invasive and expensive technological neonatal care.

The New Yorker

Few researchers have spent prolonged periods inside elementary school classrooms, observing the use of computers there.

The New York Times - Tech

She had spent the day squatting for prolonged periods of time, whilst wearing skinny jeans.

The Guardian

In 2012, she was convicted for leaving tenants without heating for prolonged periods during winter.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical conditions or treatments, use "prolonged periods" to accurately convey the duration of symptoms or therapies.

Common error

Avoid using "prolonged period" when referring to multiple instances of time. "Prolonged period" refers to a single, extended duration, whereas "prolonged periods" indicates multiple occurrences of extended time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prolonged periods" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to indicate the duration or extent of an action or state. Ludwig's examples show its usage in diverse contexts, further validating its grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

29%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prolonged periods" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms that it effectively conveys extended durations of time, especially in contexts related to health, work, and environmental conditions. This phrase is versatile, appearing commonly in news, scientific articles, and academic writings. While "prolonged periods" can be replaced by alternatives like "extended durations" or "lengthy intervals", it's important to choose the most fitting option based on the specific nuance you want to convey. Keep in mind to use the correct phrase in the adequate context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended durations

Focuses on the length of time, suitable for formal contexts.

considerable periods

Indicates a substantial amount of time, often relative to a specific event.

lengthy intervals

Emphasizes gaps between events over a considerable timeframe.

substantial durations

Highlights the magnitude or impact of the duration.

protracted timespans

Implies a very long and often tedious duration.

long-lasting phases

Highlights stages or segments that persist significantly.

long stretches of time

A more descriptive alternative, useful for adding emphasis.

sustained stretches

Suggests continuous and unbroken time periods.

extended spells

Refers to periods, often of unfavorable conditions or activities.

extended lapses

Highlights extended gaps or interruptions.

FAQs

How can I use "prolonged periods" in a sentence?

You can use "prolonged periods" to describe extended durations of time, such as "prolonged periods of stress" or "prolonged periods of rest".

What are some alternatives to "prolonged periods"?

Some alternatives include "extended durations", "lengthy intervals", or "sustained stretches", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "prolonged period" or "prolonged periods"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "prolonged period" for a single extended time and "prolonged periods" for multiple instances of extended time.

What's the difference between "prolonged periods" and "long periods"?

"Prolonged periods" often carries a connotation of something lasting longer than expected or desired, while "long periods" is a more neutral description of time.