What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
long
Example
The movie was so long that I fell asleep halfway through. [long: adjective]
Example
She has long hair that reaches her waist. [long: adjective]
Example
The wait for the bus was so long that I almost missed my appointment. [long: noun]
prolonged
Example
The patient's recovery was prolonged due to complications. [prolonged: adjective]
Example
The prolonged drought had a devastating effect on the crops. [prolonged: adjective]
Example
The meeting was prolonged by unnecessary discussions. [prolonged: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Long is more commonly used than prolonged in everyday language, making it a more accessible word for ESL learners to use in their daily conversations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between long and prolonged?
Prolonged is a more formal word than long, making it more appropriate for academic or professional writing where a higher level of formality is required.
