What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
longer
Example
I need a longer break to finish my work. [longer: adjective]
Example
The movie is longer than I expected. [longer: comparative adjective]
Example
I can't wait any longer for the bus. [longer: adverb]
prolonged
Example
The prolonged drought has caused severe damage to crops. [prolonged: adjective]
Example
The flight was delayed due to prolonged bad weather. [prolonged: adjective]
Example
The patient's condition requires prolonged treatment and care. [prolonged: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Longer is more common in everyday language than prolonged, which is typically used in technical or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between longer and prolonged?
Prolonged is more formal than longer and is often used in technical or medical contexts, while longer is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
