What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prolong
Example
The medication helped prolong his life. [prolong: verb]
Example
The speaker tried to prolong the meeting by asking irrelevant questions. [prolonging: gerund or present participle]
extend
Example
Can you extend your hand and grab that book for me? [extend: verb]
Example
The company decided to extend the deadline for the project. [extending: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Extend is more commonly used than prolong in everyday language. Extend is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while prolong is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prolong and extend?
Both prolong and extend can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, prolong may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage and more specific meaning.
