protracted correspondence

USAGE SUMMARY

"protracted correspondence" is an appropriate and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a long series of letters, emails, or other means of communication between two or more parties. For example, "After months of protracted correspondence, both sides were able to reach a conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

By D. H. Frank and Brendan Gill The New Yorker, January 11 , 1947P. 17 A lady has finally wound up a protracted correspondence with her bank over a trifling matter, which as the months went by, became more and more exasperating.

The New Yorker

As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton maintained a protracted correspondence with Wilson, then a consultant for Symbion Power an energy company that specializes in risky markets like Iraq, Afghanistan, and, recently, Sub-Saharan Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa

Vice

Shortly before that, a protracted correspondence took place in the Times Literary Supplement, following a review of the Olympia edition under the headline 'Ugh......

The Guardian - Books

You have the option of following people you might see face-to-face, day-to-day or otherwise, or to follow globally recognised experts, who, given that it only costs them a minute to reply and there is no implication they will get into an onerous, protracted correspondence, will actually reply if you ask them a question.

The Guardian

For several years, in a protracted correspondence with the conductor and Downes, Sibelius hesitated and prevaricated.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He told MPs that the inquiry was "unprecedented in scope" and there had been protracted negotiations with the government over the release of classified documents, including correspondence between former PM Tony Blair and President George W. Bush.

BBC

A protracted silence.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are also protracted.

The Economist

Conflicts are becoming more protracted.

The Economist

It invited intimate, protracted viewing.

Cornell University

He had protracted fevers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "protracted correspondence" when you want to emphasize that a series of communications has been lengthy and perhaps tedious or complex. It's suitable for formal contexts where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "protracted correspondence" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "long emails" or "extended chat" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "protracted correspondence" functions as a noun phrase, where "protracted" modifies the noun "correspondence". It describes the nature of the correspondence as being extended or prolonged. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "protracted correspondence" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase referring to an extended exchange of written communications. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although its usage is relatively rare. It is most suitable for formal contexts, such as news reporting, academic writing, and professional communications. While the phrase effectively conveys the lengthiness of the communication, it's important to avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Related phrases include "lengthy exchange of letters" and "extended written communication", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase's formality dictates its best use in scenarios requiring precision and a serious tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted written dialogue

This alternative is very close in meaning, replacing "correspondence" with "written dialogue".

lengthy exchange of letters

Emphasizes the letter format and the extended duration.

prolonged series of communications

Generalizes the mode of communication but emphasizes the extended series.

extended written communication

Highlights the written aspect and prolonged nature of the communication.

extensive written discourse

Implies a more formal and detailed exchange in writing.

drawn-out exchange of messages

Highlights the prolonged aspect of exchanging messages.

long-running exchange of emails

Specifies email as the medium and indicates a communication that has been ongoing for a significant time.

ongoing written dialogue

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the exchange, specifying it is written.

sustained dialogue via mail

Focuses on the continuous and maintained nature of the communication through postal services.

long-lasting written contact

Highlights the duration and the medium of contact, being written.

FAQs

How can I use "protracted correspondence" in a sentence?

You can use "protracted correspondence" to describe a long series of emails or letters. For example: "The legal dispute involved a "lengthy correspondence" between the parties."

What's a synonym for "protracted correspondence"?

Synonyms include "lengthy exchange of letters", "extended written communication", or "long-running exchange of emails" depending on the medium and context.

When is it appropriate to use "protracted correspondence"?

It's appropriate in formal or professional contexts when you need to emphasize the extended and possibly tedious nature of a series of communications. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

Is "protracted correspondence" formal?

Yes, the phrase "protracted correspondence" is considered formal. Less formal alternatives might be "long emails" or "extensive communication".