to be protracted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be protracted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extended in time or duration, often longer than expected or necessary. Example: "The negotiations were expected to be protracted, lasting several weeks before a resolution could be reached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

These are going to be protracted hearings".

The New York Times

As my colleague Mr. Kanter forecast on Tuesday, the hostilities are likely to be protracted.

The New York Times

There is now likely to be protracted legal argument over whether the men should face trial at all.

The Guardian

Dozens of players, officials and others are expected to be interviewed in coming months, with police warning the investigation is likely to be "protracted".

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Mehring said that the bidding was not likely to be protracted and that a winner was likely to emerge by Christmas.

The New York Times

Today, we are probably out of the acute phase of the present recession, but the recovery is likely to be protracted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The arbitration provision encourages swift and reasonable resolution as opposed to litigation that can be protracted, expensive and often dissatisfying to customers.

TechCrunch

The process, which Mr. Musharraf helped accelerate by threatening to dismiss Parliament, could well be protracted.

The New York Times

Any battle to retake Aleppo would likely be protracted and bloody.

Los Angeles Times

But legal processes can be protracted.

The New York Times

The negotiation need not be protracted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be protracted" when you want to emphasize that a process or situation is lasting longer than anticipated or desired. This phrase is especially effective in formal contexts, such as legal proceedings or economic analyses, where precision and a slightly elevated tone are appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "to be protracted" in casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, the phrase can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to take a long time" or "to last long" for better readability and tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be protracted" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a sentence to indicate the duration or expected length of an event, process, or situation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be protracted" is a verb phrase that correctly describes a situation or process expected to last longer than desired. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating a formal register. While there are several alternatives, such as "to be prolonged" and "to be drawn out", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Therefore, use "to be protracted" when you want to emphasize that something is taking more time than anticipated, but avoid overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be prolonged

Focuses on extending the duration of something, often intentionally.

to be extended

Highlights the increase in length or duration, suitable when referring to deadlines or timelines.

to be drawn out

Implies that something is unnecessarily lengthened, often suggesting a negative connotation.

to be lengthy

Simply emphasizes the long duration of something, without necessarily implying a negative aspect.

to last a long time

A more straightforward way to express that something has a considerable duration.

to continue for an extended period

Formal and emphasizes the continuous nature of the duration.

to be ongoing

Highlights the continuous and current nature of the event or process.

to be lingering

Suggests that something is lasting longer than expected, often with a sense of unease or anticipation.

to be sustained

Emphasizes the maintenance of something over a period of time, often implying effort or intervention.

to be spun out

Implies a deliberate attempt to prolong something, often for strategic reasons.

FAQs

How can I use "to be protracted" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be protracted" is used to describe something that lasts longer than expected. For example: "The legal battle is expected "to be protracted"."

What can I say instead of "to be protracted"?

You can use alternatives such as "to be prolonged", "to be extended", or "to be drawn out" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "to be protracted" and "to be prolonged"?

"To be protracted" often implies an undesirable length, whereas "to be prolonged" simply means extended in duration, without necessarily carrying a negative connotation. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to be protracted" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "to be protracted" in formal writing, such as reports, academic papers, or legal documents, where you want to convey that something is lasting longer than desired or expected. Avoid using it in casual conversations.