protracted interval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "protracted interval" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lengthy or extended period of time, often implying that the duration is longer than expected or desired. Example: "The negotiations took place over a protracted interval, leading to significant delays in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Indeed, dominance becomes the special case because it is dependent on a particular juxtaposition of tectonic and/or climatic elements over a protracted interval in a given area.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I had evidence that we were doing it better, and could never have imagined the protracted interval of shame I would experience as an adult, when people around me would ask, quite rightly, just what Americans thought they were doing.

Huffington Post

Organs can heal or scar following toxic exposures, with fibrosis predominating when the injurious agent cannot be eradicated by the host defense system, as occurs with certain infections; or is repeatedly introduced over a protracted interval of time as occurs in asbestosis, silicosis or alcohol-induced hepatic cirrhosis.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There was mail call, sometimes at protracted intervals, which might mean some (censored) letters from home and perhaps a not-new newspaper or a miniature "pony edition" of Time or The New Yorker.

The New Yorker

Sequence analysis of the transcribed genes suggested repeated transpositions at protracted intervals.

BMC Genomics

A phylogenetic analysis of reading frames indicate repeated transposition of distantly related genes into the fish genome over protracted intervals of evolutionary time.

BMC Genomics

Both Minnewaska and Mohonk reveal a protracted drought interval in the middle Holocene, ~ 5700 4100 cal yr BP, during which Pinus rigida colonized the watershed, lake levels fell, and frequent fires led to enhanced hillslope erosion.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

Allowing tennis players the opportunity to self-regulate their effort through slightly protracted rest intervals between points and games, without affecting the continuity of play, may help ensure their health and safety by preventing heat-related injuries.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

In combination with our findings, these observations highlight the importance of allowing players the opportunity to self-regulate their effort through slightly protracted rest intervals between points, without affecting the continuity of play, to ensure their safety and avoid heat-related injuries.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

In ovarian cancer, for example, it has been shown that response is less likely in patients who have failed the previous treatment after only a short interval compared to those who have a protracted failure-free interval [Gynecol. Oncol. 36 (1990) 207].

Controlled Clinical Trials

The frequency of cytokine-secreting T cells directly ex vivo in both WT and TLR2−/− mice was low, but expected, given the protracted time interval (16 weeks) between the last exposure to antigen in vivo and analysis ex vivo.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "protracted interval", ensure that the context clearly benefits from emphasizing the unusually long or extended nature of the time period. This phrase is best suited for situations where the duration is a significant factor.

Common error

Avoid using "protracted interval" to describe short or typical time periods. The term 'protracted' implies an extension beyond the expected or normal duration, and using it inappropriately can weaken its impact and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "protracted interval" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific duration of time. The adjective 'protracted' modifies the noun 'interval', indicating that the time span is extended or prolonged beyond what is typical or expected. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "protracted interval" is a noun phrase used to describe a time period that is notably longer than expected. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and is most commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources. While "protracted interval" is relatively rare, its precise meaning makes it suitable for formal contexts where emphasizing duration is key. When writing, consider whether the situation warrants highlighting the extended nature of the time frame or if a simpler term like "extended period" would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended period

Focuses on the duration being longer than typical.

lengthy duration

Highlights the considerable length of time.

prolonged timeframe

Emphasizes the extension of a specific time-bound context.

drawn-out span

Suggests the time feels longer, possibly due to associated difficulties.

long-lasting phase

Implies a specific period with distinct characteristics that persists.

sustained timeframe

Indicates consistent activity or condition over a period.

protracted period of time

More verbose and reiterates the 'protracted' nature.

extended timeline

Highlights a sequential series of events happening during an extended amount of time.

considerable stretch

Focuses on the length as being noteworthy or significant.

lengthy stage

Used when describing parts of a sequential process.

FAQs

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

Use "protracted interval" to describe a period that is notably longer than expected. For example: "The study revealed a "protracted interval" of economic stagnation."

What is a good alternative to "protracted interval"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "protracted interval" include "extended period", "lengthy duration", or "prolonged timeframe".

Is "protracted interval" formal or informal?

"Protracted interval" is generally considered a formal phrase. It's suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing where precision is important.

What distinguishes "protracted interval" from "long period"?

"Protracted interval" specifically implies that the duration is unusually or unexpectedly long, whereas "long period" simply indicates a significant duration. "Protracted interval" carries a stronger connotation of something being extended or drawn out.