protracted discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "protracted discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion that is lengthy and drawn out, often taking more time than expected or necessary. Example: "The committee engaged in a protracted discussion about the budget, which delayed the decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A significant challenge that elicited a protracted discussion concerned managing the value, both perceived and actual, of MOOC certification for learners' professional and socio-economic growth.

Harvard University

The diplomatic record reveals protracted discussion on the level of coercion used, with Japan implying some women may have gone to brothels voluntarily.The Yomiuri cites the report as evidence that the Kono statement is full of problems.

The Economist

And anyone who thinks that the philosophical ideas of positivism, naturalism and materialism are false and out of date, will find it an easy matter to refute the aesthetic or pseudo-aesthetic doctrines which mutually support them and are supported by them, and will not regard their problems as problems still awaiting solution or worthy of discussion or, at least, protracted discussion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other company cultures prefer a more protracted discussion of options, models, and strategies.

Harvard Business Review

A protracted discussion about social issues, he said, could play into Democratic hands.

The New York Times

There was a "spontaneous consensus" on the major steps needed for infectious diseases, according to Capron, with a "more protracted" discussion on energy.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

What remains unclear is the position adopted by the joint chiefs during the protracted discussions.

The Guardian

Following protracted discussions, and weighing of the product to determine the component parts, fish and rice, the imports were approved.

Stanford University

These protracted discussions were still proceeding in February 1982, but on April 2 Argentina's military government invaded the Falklands.

Britannica

Between June and August, Hurley resumed protracted discussions, both indirect and in conferences with high-level representatives from both sides.

Britannica

He said the arrest coincided with "tense and protracted discussions" between Mr. Dunkley and the paper's local partners about the company, its ownership and senior leadership positions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "protracted discussion" when you want to emphasize that a discussion took longer than expected or was more complex than initially anticipated. It's suitable for formal writing and implies a level of importance or difficulty in the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "protracted discussion" when a simple, brief conversation occurred. The term implies a significant investment of time and effort, so it's inappropriate for casual or quickly resolved matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "protracted discussion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "protracted" modifies the noun "discussion". As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and can be used to describe a discussion that is lengthy and drawn out. The word "protracted" is an adjective which means lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

16%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "protracted discussion" is a useful term for describing conversations or debates that are lengthy and extended. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in formal contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and encyclopedias. When writing, it is essential to consider the connotation of the phrase, ensuring that the discussion being described genuinely warrants the term's implication of extended time and effort. Alternatives such as "lengthy deliberation" or "extended debate" can be used to vary your language while maintaining a similar meaning. Remember to use "protracted discussion" judiciously to accurately reflect the nature of the conversation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted negotiation

Emphasizes the negotiation aspect and long duration.

lengthy deliberation

Replaces "discussion" with "deliberation", implying a more formal and careful consideration.

extended debate

Substitutes "discussion" with "debate", suggesting a more argumentative exchange.

long-drawn-out conversation

Replaces "protracted" with "long-drawn-out", emphasizing the tedious length of the conversation.

prolonged argument

Emphasizes the potential disagreement inherent in a discussion that stretches for a significant duration.

sustained dialogue

Highlights the continuous and maintained nature of the discussion over time.

ongoing negotiation

Suggests the discussion involves bargaining or compromise to reach an agreement.

never-ending exchange

Exaggerates the length of the discussion, implying it may not have a clear resolution.

tedious consultation

Emphasizes the wearisome nature of the discussion, often involving multiple parties.

drawn-out discourse

Uses "discourse" for a more formal tone, highlighting the lengthy and complex nature of the conversation.

FAQs

What does "protracted discussion" mean?

A "protracted discussion" refers to a discussion that is lengthy and extended, often taking more time than initially anticipated. It implies that the topic was complex or contentious, requiring significant deliberation.

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

You might say, "The committee engaged in a "protracted discussion" about the budget, which delayed the decision-making process".

What are some alternatives to "protracted discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "lengthy deliberation", "extended debate", or "long-drawn-out conversation" depending on the context.

Is "protracted discussion" formal or informal?

"Protracted discussion" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. It's less common in casual conversation.