protract

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'protract' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean "to make something last longer than is necessary or expected". For example: "The negotiations were protracting, and neither party seemed willing to give in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr Asquith's pronouncement showed the baselessness of this view, used by German jingoes to protract and exasperate the war; and the German Chancellor's recent endorsement of Herr Scheidemann's repudiation of territorial ambitions on Germany's part has also served to bring the possibility of a settlement nearer.

The Economist

"Such a pittance of troops as Great Britain and Ireland can supply will only serve to protract the war, to incur fruitless expense and insure disappointment," Burgoyne added in a letter in the collection that will be auctioned beginning next month by Sotheby's in New York.

The New York Times - Arts

Or maybe if Ferrara wanted to do Zoolander 3. Exasperating though this film can be, Refn shows real visual style and a willingness to protract wordless scenes into a nightmarish state beyond narrative.

The Guardian - Film

Recently the chancellor made clear that he was willing to risk investment in the new green economy to protract the life old way of doing things.

The Guardian

Leo is trapped underground in an ancient Indian cave dwelling, and Chuck manipulates Lorraine and a local sheriff into helping him protract the rescue so he can transform the incident into a national news story that will attract sightseers and catapult him back into the big time.

The Guardian - Film

"We didn't want to protract the sense of instability and insecurity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Yet it is a mistake to succumb: whilst undoubtedly cathartic, biting back only lends legitimacy to the extremist narrative, thereby fueling and protracting the problem.

Independent

He is agonized by time's nasty habit of protracting itself in moments of anguish or tedium.

The New Yorker

When you find his behavior upsetting and take him to task you are only protracting the struggle.

The Guardian - Film

To insist on not just staying the course, but actually protracting cuts at this point, seems deeply misguided.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have to rely on the experience of those negotiating to return Elian Gonzalez to his father in judging that there was greater risk in protracting the charade than in taking action.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "protract" when you want to emphasize the deliberate or unnecessary lengthening of an event, process, or discussion. It's often used to imply that the extension is undesirable.

Common error

Avoid using "protract" when a simpler word like "extend" or "lengthen" would suffice. "Protract" carries a more specific connotation of unnecessary or deliberate prolongation, so ensure that this nuance is intended.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "protract" is as a transitive verb. It describes the act of extending something in time, often with the connotation that the extension is unnecessary or unwelcome. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, such as "protracting the war" or "protracting a rescue".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "protract" is a transitive verb that means to extend something in time, often implying that the extension is unnecessary or undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is grammatically correct, and it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While it can be used in formal writing, be mindful of its connotation and consider simpler alternatives like "extend" or "lengthen" if the nuance of unnecessary prolongation is not intended. Using "protract" effectively requires an awareness of its specific meaning and the contexts in which it is most appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw out

This alternative emphasizes the act of lengthening something, often in a gradual or deliberate manner.

extend

This is a general term for making something longer, either physically or temporally.

lengthen

Similar to extend, but often implies a more significant increase in length or duration.

prolong

This word often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an unnecessary or undesirable extension.

drag out

This implies that something is being made to last longer than necessary, often in a tedious or annoying way.

stretch out

This suggests extending something to its full length or duration.

spin out

This implies extending something beyond its natural or intended duration, often in a way that is artificial or contrived.

continue

This is a more general term for something that keeps happening or existing.

perpetuate

This suggests making something continue indefinitely, often something negative.

maintain

This implies keeping something in its current state for an extended period.

FAQs

How can I use "protract" in a sentence?

The word "protract" can be used to describe the action of extending something, especially in duration. For example, "The lawyer attempted to "protract" the trial with numerous objections", meaning he tried to make it last longer than it needed to.

What are some alternatives to saying "protract"?

Instead of "protract", you could use alternatives like "extend", "lengthen", or "prolong" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "protract" and "prolong"?

While both "protract" and "prolong" mean to extend something in time, "protract" often implies an unnecessary or undesirable extension, whereas "prolong" is more neutral. "Prolong" can simply mean to make something last longer, without the negative connotation.

Is it correct to use "protract" in formal writing?

Yes, "protract" is a suitable word for formal writing when you want to convey the sense of extending something, especially in a way that may be considered unnecessary or unwelcome. It's often found in news articles and academic texts.