protracted question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "protracted question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that is lengthy or takes a long time to ask, often implying complexity or detail. Example: "During the meeting, he posed a protracted question that left everyone pondering its implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And then, as Judt was composing the short autobiographical bulletins that went to make up The Memory Chalet, Timothy Snyder, a historian of eastern Europe a couple of decades his junior, proposed they do the book together, not as a protracted question and answer session but as an extended dialogue in which they would mull over the mechanics of modern thought.

The Guardian - Books

The protracted question of who is buying beleaguered Yahoo may finally have an answer.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Study question Is protracted exposure to low doses of ionising radiation associated with an increased risk of solid cancer?

British Medical Journal

Her campaign's protracted negotiating strategy raised questions, even among supporters, about whether she really wanted a deal.

The New York Times

"Downtown" meant a tiny cell in Evin prison, in North Tehran, and "a few questions" meant protracted torture.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Foxes boss answered questions about protracted contract talks in October and has repeatedly insisted that he will keep faith with his current squad when they return to the top flight after 10 years next term.

BBC

Yet ahead of the proceedings, delegates and observers warned that the debate might prove protracted and divisive, particularly on the question of whether the country should adopt a parliamentary or a presidential system.

The New York Times

Now, volunteers are given several informational lectures and a protracted individual interview to discuss lingering questions, and they are required to sign a document confirming adequate comprehension and acceptance of the risks.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Owen Gibson outlines the timeline of West Ham's protracted move into the Olympic Stadium after fresh questions were raised regarding the switch.

The Guardian - Sport

The election, protracted beyond reason, nears its final phase.One question is whether candidates this time are turning out to be any more attractive than last time.

The Economist

The only question is whether it will be as protracted and violent as Europe's mid-20th century retreat from a newly assertive Asia and Africa.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "protracted question", ensure the context clearly indicates that the question's length or complexity is a notable aspect. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the time or effort required to address the question fully.

Common error

Avoid using "protracted question" when you simply mean a difficult question. "Protracted" emphasizes the duration or drawn-out nature, not inherent difficulty. Use "complex question" or "challenging question" instead if the complexity, not the duration, is the primary concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "protracted question" functions as a noun phrase, where "protracted" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig AI indicates that it describes a question that is extended or prolonged. The adjective emphasizes the duration or length of the question itself.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "protracted question" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a question that is notably long or extended. While considered relatively formal and appearing primarily in news and scientific contexts, as validated by Ludwig, its use emphasizes the time or depth required for an adequate response. When seeking alternatives, "lengthy question", "extended question", or "complex question" can serve as effective substitutes depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure the context justifies the emphasis on duration; otherwise, a simpler term might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthy question

Replaces "protracted" with "lengthy", emphasizing the duration of the question.

extended question

Substitutes "protracted" with "extended", focusing on the increased scope or detail of the question.

protracted inquiry

Uses the more formal term "inquiry" instead of "question", maintaining the original sense of "protracted".

complex question

Highlights the intricacy of the question, implying it requires considerable time to address fully.

long and involved question

Uses a more descriptive phrasing, emphasizing both the length and complexity.

detailed question

Focuses on the level of detail required by the question, implying it will take time.

tedious question

Emphasizes the boring or monotonous aspect of a question that takes a lot of time.

elaborate question

Highlights the detailed and complex nature of the question.

drawn-out question

Indicates that the question is prolonged beyond what is necessary or desirable.

time-consuming question

Explicitly states the question will take a significant amount of time to answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "protracted question" to describe a question that is lengthy or takes a long time to answer due to its complexity. For example: "The lawyer posed a "protracted question" that required careful consideration of all the evidence."

What's the difference between "protracted question" and a "difficult question"?

"Protracted question" refers to a question that takes a long time to ask or answer, often due to its length or complexity. A "difficult question" is challenging to answer, but not necessarily lengthy. Consider alternatives like "complex question" if duration is not your focus.

What can I say instead of "protracted question"?

You can use alternatives like "lengthy question", "extended question", or "complex question" depending on the specific context.

Is "protracted question" formal or informal language?

"Protracted question" is considered relatively formal due to the use of the adjective "protracted". It is suitable for academic, professional, or news contexts but might sound overly verbose in casual conversation.