a prolonged stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prolonged stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extended period of time or a lengthy duration of something, often in contexts related to time, distance, or effort. Example: "After a prolonged stretch of working late nights, she finally decided to take a much-needed vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

For a prolonged stretch of the first half, Brooklyn's perimeter game was in utter paralysis.

The New York Times - Sports

While lower prices are good for consumers in the short run, a prolonged stretch of deflation would wreak havoc as companies struggled to stay afloat.

The New York Times

Redskins 45, Bears 41 If Jay Cutler (groin) is out for a prolonged stretch, the Bears are essentially out of the playoff chase.

The New York Times - Sports

A prolonged stretch in Kenya also allows him to shut himself off from cozy comfort, and concentrate almost exclusively on the runners' equivalent of the three Rs: run, recovery, repeat.

The Guardian - Sport

He plucks the fez from the animal's head and flogs him with it until, with a prolonged stretch that seems to solidify the bear's balance rather than upset it, he rises.

The New Yorker

Back here in Meursault, where a prolonged stretch of dry, sunny weather has led some to predict 2011 will be one of the earliest harvests on record, the vintage differences are equally apparent.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Whilst the value of splints in delivering a low-load prolonged stretch to healing tissues after hand trauma and hand surgery has been well argued its effect on the diseased fascia in DD even after surgical excision remains unknown.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

It acts as a splint that provides circumferential pressure for scar management, provides prolonged stretch to contracted tissue and acts as a serial cast in increasing the shoulder range.

Burns

Price, to his relief and astonishment after his prolonged stretch of unemployment, received an offer from Flabeg and started working at the 228,000-square-foot modern plant that used robotic production technology in March 2011.

Huffington Post

Francesa called the recent period "our first prolonged stretch of ugliness in about eight years".

The New York Times - Sports

It can be triggered by muscle stretch, even though prolonged stretch can reduce it [ 18].

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a prolonged stretch", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being extended, whether it's time, a physical distance, or a state of being. For example, "a prolonged stretch of dry weather".

Common error

Avoid using "a prolonged stretch" in simple sentences where a more direct adjective like "long" or "extended" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Use "long", "extended" or "lengthy" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prolonged stretch" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes an extended period or duration. As Ludwig shows, it's used in various contexts to indicate something lasting longer than usual.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prolonged stretch" is a noun phrase used to describe an extended period or duration. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and primarily used in news, scientific, and sports contexts. While "uncommon", it effectively conveys the idea of something lasting longer than usual. When writing, consider whether a simpler adjective like "long" or "extended" might be more appropriate to avoid wordiness. Be aware that Ludwig indicates the phrase is generally viewed as valid English, and that you have good alternatives such as "an extended period" if you're looking for synonyms. Ensure the context makes clear what exactly is being sustained or extended. If you want to avoid sounding verbose, use simple terms such as "long" or "extended" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extended duration

This alternative emphasizes the length of time involved, similar to the original phrase but with a different choice of words.

a lengthy period

This suggests a considerable amount of time, much like "a prolonged stretch", but uses more common vocabulary.

a sustained interval

This phrase implies a continuous period without interruption, adding a nuance of consistency to the duration.

an elongated phase

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the drawn-out nature of the period.

a protracted time

This conveys a sense of something lasting longer than expected or desired.

a long-lasting spell

This suggests a period characterized by a particular condition or activity.

a drawn-out period

Similar to "protracted time", this emphasizes the extended and sometimes tedious nature of the duration.

a continuous span

This highlights the unbroken nature of the period, implying that it occurred without any gaps or breaks.

a lengthy spell

This phrase, like "a long-lasting spell", suggests a period of time associated with a specific event or condition.

a long haul

This idiom suggests a task or situation that requires a significant amount of time and effort to complete.

FAQs

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

You can use "a prolonged stretch" to describe an extended period of time or a significant duration of something. For instance, "The team suffered through a prolonged stretch of losses" or "The region experienced a prolonged stretch of drought".

What are some alternatives to "a prolonged stretch"?

Some alternatives to "a prolonged stretch" include "an extended period", "a lengthy duration", or "a sustained interval". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a prolonged stretch" formal or informal?

"A prolonged stretch" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone. While not overly technical, it's suitable for professional writing and news reporting, and less common in casual conversation.

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

"A prolonged stretch" indicates a long duration or extension, whereas "a short period" refers to a brief or limited time. The terms are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the time continuum. Prolonged means continued for longer than usual; lengthy.