a long stretch of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long stretch of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extended period of time or a considerable distance in a specific context. Example: "After a long stretch of working late nights, she finally took a well-deserved vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

Here, a long stretch of the previously straight asphalt roadbed was crumpling into the ground.

Columbia University

You can see patterns unfolding that represent pretty major changes over a long stretch of time.

Yale University

Apple blossoms killed by a spring frost in 2012, after a long stretch of warm days.

Cornell University

In other words, a long stretch of 100-degree-plus temperatures is unlikely.

The New York Times

There's something very satisfying about the way this story covers a long stretch of time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long stretch of" to describe time, ensure the context clearly indicates the unit of time (e.g., "a long stretch of years", "a long stretch of silence").

Common error

Avoid using "a long stretch of" when a more precise measurement is available or necessary. For example, instead of "a long stretch of road", specify "five miles of road" if the exact distance is known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long stretch of" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe either an extended duration of time or a considerable distance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long stretch of" is a versatile phrase used to describe extended durations or distances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academia, and scientific writing. While alternatives like ""a considerable stretch of"" or ""an extended period of"" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use the phrase in contexts where the length or duration is a significant factor and avoid it when more precise measurements are available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable stretch of

Replaces "long" with "considerable", emphasizing the substantial nature of the stretch.

a lengthy stretch of

Substitutes "long" with "lengthy", highlighting the extent of the stretch.

an extended period of

Uses "period" instead of "stretch", shifting the focus to time rather than distance.

a prolonged duration of

Emphasizes the duration aspect, using more formal language.

a significant span of

Replaces "stretch" with "span", suggesting a broader, more encompassing extent.

a vast expanse of

Replaces "stretch" with "expanse", indicating a wide and open area or time.

a long duration of

Focuses exclusively on the temporal aspect, removing any spatial implication.

a sustained period of

Highlights the continuous and uninterrupted nature of the time frame.

a long string of

Implies a sequence of events or items over an extended time.

a continuous succession of

Highlights the unbroken sequence and extended nature of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "a long stretch of" to describe extended periods of time or considerable distances. For example, "After "a long stretch of silence", she finally spoke" or "The highway ran through "a long stretch of desert"".

What are some alternatives to "a long stretch of"?

Some alternatives include "a considerable stretch of", "a lengthy stretch of", or "an extended period of" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a long stretch of time" or "a long period of time"?

Both "a long stretch of time" and "a long period of time" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference, although "a long stretch of time" might subtly emphasize continuity, whereas "a long period of time" simply indicates duration.

When should I use "a long stretch of" versus "a wide expanse of"?

"A long stretch of" typically implies linear distance or duration, while "a wide expanse of" suggests a broad area. For example, you might say "a long stretch of road" but "a wide expanse of desert".