a big stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that requires a lot of effort or that goes beyond the bounds of what is expected or possible. For example, "Putting in all these extra hours at work is a big stretch, but it's necessary to get the project completed in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a big stretch.

The New York Times

So this was a big stretch".

The New York Times

It is not a big stretch.

The New York Times

It was a big stretch.

The New York Times

It's not a big stretch for us".

The New York Times

And that, once more, is becoming a big stretch.

The Economist

School superintendent is a big stretch, of course".

The New York Times

"This is a big stretch for this team," Testaverde said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Was I minus numbers?" "Hmm?" Ma does a big stretch.

The Guardian - Books

That could be a big stretch considering the status of basketball and Yao in China.

The New York Times - Sports

Using Cell chips instead would not, therefore, be a big stretch.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "a big stretch", be mindful of the context. Ensure the audience understands whether you're highlighting the commendable ambition or the potential unfeasibility of the endeavor.

Common error

Avoid using "a big stretch" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "a major challenge" or "a considerable undertaking" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big stretch" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or object complement. It describes something that requires significant effort, is difficult to believe, or is an exaggeration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big stretch" is a common English phrase used to express skepticism or highlight the ambitious nature of a goal or claim. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and sees widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal contexts might benefit from using alternatives like "a considerable undertaking" or "an extreme reach". Remember to use this phrase judiciously to avoid overuse and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite a challenge

Emphasizes the degree of difficulty involved in something.

a major challenge

Highlights the difficulty and potential obstacles involved.

a tall order

Highlights the demanding nature of the request or task.

a considerable undertaking

Focuses on the effort and resources required, emphasizing the scale of the task.

a bold endeavor

Stresses the ambitious and risky nature of the project.

a difficult feat

Emphasizes the skill and accomplishment needed to succeed.

an extreme reach

Implies pushing boundaries or exceeding limitations.

a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success.

a significant exaggeration

Suggests a distortion or overstatement of facts.

a far-fetched idea

Highlights the implausibility or unlikelihood of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a big stretch" in a sentence?

You can use "a big stretch" to describe something that requires considerable effort, is difficult to believe, or goes beyond normal expectations. For example, "Claiming that this new technology will solve all our problems is "a big stretch"".

What are some alternatives to "a big stretch"?

Alternatives to "a big stretch" include "a major challenge", "a difficult feat", or "a tall order", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a big stretch" in formal writing?

While "a big stretch" is widely understood, it might be perceived as slightly informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "a considerable undertaking" or "an extreme reach" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says something is "a big stretch"?

When someone says something is "a big stretch", they mean it requires a lot of effort, is difficult to believe, or might be an exaggeration. It implies that the statement or goal is ambitious, and perhaps somewhat unrealistic.