What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
perpetuate
Example
The media's coverage of the scandal only served to perpetuate the rumors. [perpetuate: verb]
Example
The school's strict dress code perpetuates gender stereotypes. [perpetuates: present tense]
prolong
Example
The surgery was successful in prolonging the patient's life. [prolonging: gerund or present participle]
Example
The negotiations were prolonged due to disagreements between the two parties. [prolonged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prolong is more commonly used than perpetuate in everyday language. Prolong is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while perpetuate is less common and refers to specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between perpetuate and prolong?
Both perpetuate and prolong are formal words, but perpetuate is more commonly used in academic and professional settings, while prolong is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
