protracted arguments

USAGE SUMMARY

"protracted arguments" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which people are debating or arguing a point for a long time and not coming to a conclusion. Example: The union and management engaged in several protracted arguments before finally coming to a consensus.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They see protracted arguments that could be settled in 30 seconds of face-to-face conversation.

Harvard Business Review

Losers, especially litigants in person, went away feeling that they had gained something, and Denning's court got through a lot more work by avoiding protracted arguments.

The Guardian

It was reported this year that a woman in India is killed over her dowry every hour, with over 8,000 women killed over protracted arguments for more lavish dowries and gifts.

Independent

After several weeks of witnesses and protracted arguments in camera, on the advice of his lawyers he conceded the case.

Wikipedia

But I could still hear enough to have protracted arguments with girls called Megan who would go batshit crazy if you played J-Kwon when they were in the loo, and would aggressively insist that you play it again, now, five minutes after you just played it.

Vice

The prosecutions have been stymied by protracted arguments about the constitutionality of the Bush Administration's effort to try terrorist suspects not in courtrooms but before military commissions.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

After protracted argument, Mr Abbas's letter to Ismail Haniyeh, the prime minister, called on Hamas to "respect" or "honour" previous accords rather than "commit" to them.

The Economist

So like many in my generation, now in our 20's and 30's, I am in a perpetual state of either passivity or protracted argument.

The New York Times

"This can save you a protracted argument with the building control officer over the extent of the required fire safety works – and, more importantly, save your life in the event of a fire," says Derry.

The Guardian - Money

They removed their clothes, their own and each other's, delicately, precisely, as if preparing to model for an artist, and once naked, seated side by side on the bed, they turned to face each other, and with their hands on each other's bare shoulders, they kissed – sweetly, as if in relief and gratitude for having come to the peaceful end of a painfully protracted argument.

The Guardian - Books

Each issue has generated protracted debate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing disputes in formal settings like legal battles or political debates, use "protracted arguments" to emphasize their complexity and extended duration.

Common error

Avoid using "protracted arguments" in casual conversations or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler terms like "long arguments" or "endless debates" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "protracted arguments" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "protracted" modifies the noun "arguments". It describes arguments that are extended in time and often complex. This aligns with Ludwig's AI stating it's a usable part of a sentence to describe a lengthy debate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "protracted arguments" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe arguments that are lengthy, complex, and extended over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's well-suited for depicting situations involving lengthy debates. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase carries a formal tone, best reserved for serious discussions or writings. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "lengthy arguments" or "drawn-out arguments", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthy arguments

Emphasizes the extended duration of the arguments, similar to "protracted arguments".

long-standing arguments

Highlights that the arguments have been ongoing for a considerable period.

long arguments

A simpler way to convey the idea of arguments that take up a significant amount of time.

endless arguments

Suggests the arguments seem to have no resolution and continue indefinitely.

ongoing arguments

Focuses on the continuous nature of the arguments, implying they are still in progress.

enduring arguments

Emphasizes the persistent nature of the arguments, suggesting they have withstood the test of time.

time-consuming arguments

Highlights the significant amount of time required to engage in the arguments.

perennial arguments

Implies the arguments recur regularly, like a seasonal event.

drawn-out arguments

Focuses on the excessively prolonged nature of the arguments.

extensive arguments

Suggests the arguments cover a wide range of topics or issues.

FAQs

What does "protracted arguments" mean?

The phrase "protracted arguments" refers to arguments or debates that are lengthy, prolonged, and often complex, extending over a considerable period.

What can I say instead of "protracted arguments"?

You can use alternatives like "lengthy arguments", "long-standing arguments", or "drawn-out arguments" depending on the context.

How do I use "protracted arguments" in a sentence?

You can use "protracted arguments" to describe drawn-out disputes, for example: "The negotiations were stalled due to the "protracted arguments" between the parties involved."

What is the difference between "protracted arguments" and "lengthy arguments"?

While both phrases describe arguments that take a long time, "protracted arguments" often implies a sense of complexity and difficulty in reaching a resolution, whereas "lengthy arguments" simply emphasizes the duration.