protracted amount of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "protracted amount of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a duration that is extended or prolonged beyond what is typical or expected. Example: "The project faced numerous delays, resulting in a protracted amount of time before completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The renegotiation of so many trade deals would take time, a punishingly protracted amount of time, time that Britain really cannot afford to waste when the shape of the global economy is changing so rapidly, new players such as Vietnam are jostling for pieces of the action and the rest of the world is organising itself into trading blocs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bruce P. Flynn, an estate and trust lawyer for 15 years at the Seattle firm of Perkins Coie, said that "some lawyers have a concern that they may lose clients if they spend a protracted amount of time away from the office".

The New York Times

"It was painstaking and took a protracted amount of time but it was worth it in the end".

The Guardian

This means the α-particle doses were delivered over a protracted amount of time relative to the X-rays.

BMC Medical Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Also, domesticated rats exhibit different behaviors when fighting with each other; while wild rats almost always flee a lost battle, caged rats spend protracted amounts of time in a belly-up or boxing position.

Wikipedia

This typically happens where there has been a protracted behind-the-scenes attempt to remove the outgoing leader, leading to a significant amount of time to determine who has the most party support before the election proper.

Wikipedia

Some HIV infected individuals remain asymptomatic for protracted periods of time in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Plosone

In six of these it has been maintained in subsequent lineages for protracted periods of time.

eLife

Because NSAIDs are used routinely in the management of OA pain, often for protracted periods of time, the effect of NSAIDs on cartilage has been previously studied.

BMC Veterinary Research

For instance, with reduced conditioning and exercise tolerance over protracted periods of time, there can be impairment in the MS patient's ability to execute their ADLs.

Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology

"It was a limited amount of time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "protracted amount of time", consider the context to ensure the word "protracted" accurately conveys the sense of something being unnecessarily or unexpectedly long. If simple length is the only factor, alternatives like "long" or "extended" may be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "protracted amount of time" when you simply mean a long duration. "Protracted" implies that the duration is excessively or unexpectedly long, often with negative connotations. If the duration is simply long without this added sense, use "long amount of time" or a similar alternative instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "protracted amount of time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause by specifying the duration of an action or state. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used to indicate that something is taking longer than expected or is unduly prolonged.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "protracted amount of time" describes an extended duration, often implying that it is longer than necessary or desirable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While the phrase is relatively rare, it appears in diverse contexts such as news articles, scientific publications, and wiki entries. When using this phrase, ensure that the connotation of excessive length is intended; otherwise, simpler alternatives like "long amount of time" may be more appropriate. Common errors involve using "protracted" when simple length is the only factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthy period

Emphasizes the duration, focusing on its extended nature.

extended duration

Highlights the long-lasting nature of the time involved.

prolonged timeframe

Focuses on the timeframe being stretched out.

considerable time

Indicates a notable and significant duration.

significant duration

Similar to considerable time, but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

long-lasting period

Emphasizes the lasting nature of the duration.

drawn-out period

Implies a process that takes longer than expected.

extensive time

Highlights the broad scope of time involved.

lengthy spell

Suggests a continuous period of time, potentially uninterrupted.

extended phase

Implies that this time is a part of a larger process.

FAQs

What does "protracted amount of time" mean?

The phrase "protracted amount of time" refers to a duration that is extended or prolonged, often suggesting that it is longer than necessary or desirable. It implies that something is taking more "long amount of time" than expected.

How can I use "protracted amount of time" in a sentence?

You can use "protracted amount of time" to describe events, processes, or situations that are taking longer than they should. For example: "The negotiations took a protracted amount of time, delaying the project's completion."

What are some synonyms for "protracted amount of time"?

Some synonyms for "protracted amount of time" include "lengthy period", "extended duration", and "prolonged timeframe". These alternatives also indicate a long duration.

Is it always appropriate to use "protracted amount of time"?

No, it's not always appropriate. The word "protracted" carries a connotation of being unnecessarily or undesirably long. If you simply want to describe a long duration without this negative implication, consider using alternatives like ""long amount of time"" or "considerable time".