Prolong vs Prolongate: When To Use Each One In Writing

Have you ever found yourself struggling to choose between the words “prolong” and “prolongate”? While they may seem interchangeable, there are some subtle differences between the two that can make all the difference in your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of these two words and help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.

Let’s get the basics out of the way. Both “prolong” and “prolongate” are verbs that mean to lengthen or extend something. However, “prolong” is the more commonly used of the two, and is generally considered to be the more correct choice in most situations.

So what about “prolongate”? While it is a valid word, it is much less common and is often seen as a more technical or formal alternative to “prolong”. In some cases, it may even be considered archaic or outdated.

When it comes to definitions, “prolong” typically refers to extending the duration of something, while “prolongate” is more often used to describe the physical act of lengthening or stretching something out.

Now that we’ve established the differences between these two words, let’s dive a bit deeper into how to use them effectively in your writing.

Define Prolong

Prolong is a verb that means to extend the duration of something or to make it last longer. It is often used in the context of time, such as prolonging a meeting or prolonging a vacation. Prolong can also refer to the act of delaying something, such as prolonging a decision or prolonging a project.

Define Prolongate

Prolongate is a less common verb that is often used interchangeably with prolong. However, it is important to note that prolongate is not recognized as a standard English word in many dictionaries. Some sources suggest that prolongate is a less common variant of prolong, while others consider it to be a misspelling or a nonstandard form of the word.

Here is a table summarizing the definitions of prolong and prolongate:

Word	Definition
Prolong	To extend the duration of something or to make it last longer
Prolongate	A less common variant of prolong, or a misspelling/nonstandard form of the word

It is important to note that while both words are used to convey the idea of extending the duration of something, prolong is the more widely accepted and recognized term in standard English usage.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence can make a big difference in how your message is received. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words prolong and prolongate in a sentence.

How To Use “Prolong” In A Sentence

The word prolong is a verb that means to extend the duration of something. Here are some examples of how to use prolong in a sentence:

• We need to prolong our vacation by a few days.
• The medicine will prolong his life.
• The company is trying to prolong the life of its products.

As you can see, prolong is used when you want to make something last longer. It is often used in the context of time or lifespan.

How To Use “Prolongate” In A Sentence

The word prolongate is also a verb, but it is less commonly used than prolong. Prolongate means to extend the length of something physically. Here are some examples of how to use prolongate in a sentence:

• The construction workers need to prolongate the bridge by ten feet.
• The tailor will prolongate the dress to fit the client’s measurements.
• The artist decided to prolongate the painting by adding more details.

As you can see, prolongate is used when you want to physically make something longer. It is often used in the context of physical objects or measurements.

It is important to note that prolong and prolongate are not interchangeable. Prolong is used for time or lifespan, while prolongate is used for physical length. Using the wrong word can change the meaning of your sentence and lead to confusion.

More Examples Of Prolong & Prolongate Used In Sentences

When it comes to using words correctly, there are many that are often confused with each other. Prolong and prolongate are two such words that are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use prolong and prolongate in sentences.

Examples Of Using Prolong In A Sentence

• The medication helped to prolong the patient’s life.
• We need to find a way to prolong the battery life of our devices.
• The company decided to prolong the project deadline.
• He tried to prolong the conversation by asking more questions.
• The rain helped to prolong the life of the flowers in the garden.
• The team’s strategy was to prolong the game by taking their time between plays.
• The artist wanted to prolong the moment by taking a picture.
• She hoped to prolong her vacation by staying an extra day.
• The coach’s decision to prolong the player’s rest paid off in the game.
• The scientist was able to prolong the life of the lab mice with a new treatment.

Examples Of Using Prolongate In A Sentence

• The doctor decided to prolongate the patient’s treatment to ensure a full recovery.
• The company was able to prolongate the life of their product by adding new features.
• He tried to prolongate the meeting by bringing up irrelevant topics.
• The artist decided to prolongate the exhibit by adding more pieces to the collection.
• The team’s decision to prolongate the game by taking timeouts backfired.
• The scientist was able to prolongate the lifespan of the lab rats with a new drug.
• The CEO’s strategy was to prolongate the company’s success by expanding into new markets.
• The government’s decision to prolongate the lockdown was met with criticism.
• The teacher decided to prolongate the deadline for the project to give students more time.
• The coach’s decision to prolongate the player’s recovery time was controversial.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words prolong and prolongate, many people tend to make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

1. Using Prolongate Instead Of Prolong

Prolongate is not a word that exists in the English language. It is a common mistake to add an -ate suffix to prolong, thinking that it will make the word sound more sophisticated. However, this is incorrect and can make your writing appear unprofessional. Always use prolong instead of prolongate.

2. Using Prolong When You Mean Extend

Prolong means to lengthen in time, while extend means to make something longer in space or to continue something. Using prolong when you mean extend can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. For example, saying “I need to prolong my arm” instead of “I need to extend my arm” can cause confusion as to what you are trying to convey. Make sure to use the correct word for the situation.

3. Using Prolong As A Synonym For Delay

Another common mistake is using prolong as a synonym for delay. While it is true that prolonging something can cause a delay, these words are not interchangeable. Using prolong when you mean delay can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. For example, saying “I need to prolong the meeting” instead of “I need to delay the meeting” can cause confusion as to what you are trying to convey. Make sure to use the correct word for the situation.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Always double-check the meaning of a word before using it in your writing.
• Use a thesaurus to find alternative words if you are unsure of the correct usage.
• Proofread your writing to ensure that you have used the correct word in the correct context.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “prolong” and “prolongate,” context is an important factor to consider. While the two words are often used interchangeably, there are certain situations where one may be more appropriate than the other.

Examples Of Different Contexts:

• Medical context: In a medical context, the word “prolong” is often used to describe the extension of a patient’s life through medical intervention. For example, a doctor may say that they are using a certain treatment to prolong a patient’s life. On the other hand, “prolongate” is not typically used in the medical field.
• Legal context: In a legal context, both “prolong” and “prolongate” can be used to describe the extension of a legal process or trial. However, “prolongate” is often seen as a more formal or technical term, while “prolong” is more commonly used in everyday language.
• Scientific context: In a scientific context, both “prolong” and “prolongate” can be used to describe the extension of a process or experiment. However, “prolongate” is often used to describe a more precise or specific extension, while “prolong” can be used more generally.

Overall, the choice between “prolong” and “prolongate” depends on the specific context in which they are being used. It’s important to consider the connotations and nuances of each word in order to choose the one that best fits the situation at hand.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using prolong and prolongate are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where their usage may not follow the standard guidelines. Here are some of the exceptions:

1. Legal Terminology

In legal terminology, prolongate is often used instead of prolong. This is because the word prolongate is considered a more formal and technical term in legal writing. For instance, in a legal document, you might find a sentence like: “The court has decided to prolongate the trial for another week.”

2. Medical Terminology

Similarly to legal terminology, medical terminology also tends to use prolongate instead of prolong. This is because medical writing often requires precise and technical language. For example, a medical report might say: “The patient’s life was prolongated by the use of a ventilator.”

3. Regional Differences

There are some regional differences in the usage of prolong and prolongate. In British English, for example, prolongate is rarely used and prolong is the preferred term. However, in American English, prolongate is more commonly used.

4. Colloquial Language

In some cases, people may use prolong or prolongate in a colloquial sense, where the rules of grammar and usage are not as strict. For example, someone might say: “I’m trying to prolongate this vacation as much as possible!” While this usage is not technically correct, it is still commonly used in informal speech.

5. Technical Jargon

In certain technical fields, such as engineering or computer science, prolongate may be used to refer to the extension of a process or a machine’s lifespan. For example, an engineer might say: “By prolongating the maintenance schedule, we can increase the lifespan of the machine.”

Overall, while the rules for using prolong and prolongate are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. By understanding these exceptions, you can use these words more effectively in your writing and communication.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between prolong and prolongate, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words:

Exercise 1:

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. The medication helped to ________ the patient’s life for several months.
2. He tried to ________ the conversation by asking more questions.
3. The company decided to ________ the project until the following year.

Answer Key:

1. Prolong
2. Prolongate
3. Prolong

Exercise 2:

Write a sentence using each word correctly:

• Prolong
• Prolongate

Answer Key:

• The doctor recommended a treatment plan to prolong the patient’s life.
• He decided to prolongate the meeting by bringing up new topics for discussion.

Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence to determine which word to use. Prolong is typically used to refer to time or duration, while prolongate is used to refer to actions or processes. With practice, you’ll be able to use these words with confidence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “prolong” and “prolongate” is essential for effective communication. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

Key Takeaways:

• The word “prolong” means to extend the duration of something.
• The word “prolongate” is a less common variation of “prolong” and means the same thing.
• While “prolongate” is a valid word, it is not commonly used in modern English and may be seen as archaic or pretentious.
• It is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion or miscommunication.
• Improving your grammar and language use can help you communicate more effectively and professionally.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your communication skills and make a positive impression on those around you. Remember, the words you choose and the way you use them can have a significant impact on how you are perceived by others.