protracted holdup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "protracted holdup" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a delay or obstruction that lasts for an extended period of time. Example: "The project faced a protracted holdup due to unforeseen regulatory issues that took months to resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A protracted silence.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are also protracted.

The Economist

Conflicts are becoming more protracted.

The Economist

The result was protracted economic weakness.

The New York Times

Long, protracted courtships are not uncommon".

The New Yorker

He had protracted fevers.

The New York Times

But legal processes can be protracted.

The New York Times

They have been protracted and hugely complex.

Independent

The negotiation need not be protracted.

The New York Times

This section is vague, diffuse, protracted.

The New York Times - Arts

The debate was protracted, "contentious and controversial".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "protracted holdup", ensure the context clearly indicates a delay or obstruction that is not only significant but also extends over a notable period. This emphasizes the lasting impact of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "protracted holdup" for minor or brief delays. The term implies a considerable duration, so ensure the length of the delay justifies its use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "protracted holdup" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "protracted" modifies the noun "holdup". It describes a state of delay or obstruction that is extended in time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "protracted holdup" describes a significant and extended delay or obstruction. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct and usable phrase. While not overly common, its usage is clear in conveying the extended nature of the delay, as confirmed by examples from news and academic sources. It is most frequently found in News & Media, leaning towards a neutral tone. For alternative phrasing, consider "extended delay" or "lengthy interruption", depending on the specific emphasis needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended delay

Focuses specifically on the length of the delay.

lengthy interruption

Highlights the continuous nature and duration of the disruption.

prolonged obstruction

Emphasizes the act of hindering progress over a significant period.

sustained standstill

Indicates a complete halt that lasts for a considerable time.

chronic impediment

Highlights a recurring and long-lasting obstacle.

lingering setback

Emphasizes the lasting impact of the delay.

drawn-out impasse

Focuses on the difficulty in resolving a situation over an extended period.

protracted stalemate

Emphasizes a long period of inaction due to opposing forces.

long-lasting snag

Refers to an issue or difficulty that has persisted for a notable duration.

enduring bottleneck

Highlights a persistent point of congestion or delay.

FAQs

What does "protracted holdup" mean?

The phrase "protracted holdup" refers to a delay or obstruction that lasts for a significant or extended period. It emphasizes not just the presence of a delay, but also its duration.

When is it appropriate to use the term "protracted holdup"?

Use "protracted holdup" when describing a situation where progress is hindered for a considerable amount of time. It's suitable for contexts where the duration of the delay is a key factor.

What are some alternatives to "protracted holdup"?

Alternatives include "extended delay", "lengthy interruption", or "prolonged obstruction", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "protracted holdup" formal or informal?

"Protracted holdup" leans towards a more neutral or slightly formal register. It is appropriate for news reporting, academic writing, and professional communication where a degree of precision is required.