a long stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

"a long stretch" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can refer to a length of time,distance, or activity. Example sentence: We will have to wait a long stretch before we can go on vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Business-class flights, by a long stretch.

Independent

Not by a long stretch.

The New York Times - Style

But it wasn't – by a long stretch.

The Guardian - Film

Our driver led us to a long stretch of meadow.

The New Yorker

Seven years — a long stretch of time, especially incarcerated.

The New York Times

"It's the best brand at Chrysler by a long stretch".

The New York Times

The economy then enters a long stretch of poor performance.

The Washington Post

There was a long stretch of oldies snippets.

The New York Times - Arts

Twenty-five years is a long stretch of life.

The New York Times

Twenty years is a long stretch of not showing up.

The New York Times

For a long stretch, he holds me tight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a long stretch" to describe extended periods, distances, or sustained efforts. For instance, "After a long stretch of hard work, the team finally achieved its goal."

Common error

Avoid using "a long stretch" when a more precise measurement of time or distance is required. Instead of saying "It's a long stretch to the next town", specify the actual distance if known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long stretch" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adjective modifying a noun indicating a duration, distance, or portion of something. Ludwig confirms its general correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a long stretch" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote extended durations, significant distances, or sustained periods of activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correctness makes it suitable for various contexts, although precise language might be preferable in more formal settings. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it offers a flexible way to convey the idea of something prolonged or extensive. Consider using alternatives like "extended duration" or "considerable distance" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extended duration

Focuses more on the temporal aspect, emphasizing the duration of time.

a significant period

Similar to "extended duration" but can also imply importance.

a considerable distance

Highlights the spatial aspect, emphasizing the length of the distance.

a lengthy interval

Emphasizes the gap between two points in time.

a protracted period

Implies a period that is longer than expected or desirable.

an extensive phase

Emphasizes a stage in a process or development that is notably long.

a great extent

Focuses on the degree or magnitude of something rather than time or distance.

a prolonged spell

Describes a continuous period, often associated with weather or a specific condition.

a sustained effort

Highlights the continuous and prolonged nature of an activity.

a broad expanse

Refers to a wide area or scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "a long stretch" to describe extended periods of time, distances, or activities. For example, "We drove "a long stretch" without stopping" or "The project required "a long stretch" of uninterrupted work".

What's the difference between "a long stretch" and "a short period"?

"A long stretch" implies an extended duration or distance, while "a short period" refers to a brief amount of time. The key difference is the duration or length being described.

What can I say instead of "a long stretch"?

You can use alternatives like "an extended duration", "a considerable distance", or "a significant period" depending on the specific context.

Is "a long stretch" appropriate for formal writing?

While "a long stretch" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more precise language. For instance, instead of "a long stretch of time", you could specify "an extended period of several years".