a significant stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or claim that is exaggerated or not entirely accurate. Example: "Claiming that he can run a marathon without any training is a significant stretch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

So BMW gave the X5 a significant stretch, too.

The New York Times

The Rangers (12-13-4-1) cannot afford to lose Bure for a significant stretch.

The New York Times - Sports

For most people, simply being in this position is a significant stretch.

The New York Times - Travel

A significant stretch of this route is the only federally designated wildlife corridor in the United States.

The New York Times

It's dizzying, complex, and heavy with the sense that marks the entire album: that of being right at the start of a significant stretch of work.

The New Yorker

He said he would play Marbury only if he could use him for a significant stretch, and not just a token 10-minute stint.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It has been a year of injuries for the Sounders who had to cope without their two main strikers Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey and Cuban midfielder Osvaldo Alonso for a significant stretches of the campaign.

The Guardian - Sport

The crystallization front moves fast enough to solidify the whole shell and the bottom part of the jet when there is still a significant stretching velocity gradient d u/d s along a solid part; s here is length of an arc, and u is the tangential component of velocity.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Jeter last led off full time in 2005, and Damon — who leads all active players in games played as a leadoff hitter — has not batted second for any significant stretch since a 38-game stint in 2002, his first season with the Red Sox.

The New York Times - Sports

Closing the entirety of the southern US border for any significant stretch of time would be a task of absurd complexity, with devastating economic consequences for states like Texas and California.

BBC

"The Lunatic Fringe" had been out of action since December 2017 after undergoing triceps surgery, ending his impressive streak as WWE's "iron man," when he wrestled 1,054 matches between March 2012 and December 2017 without missing any significant stretch of time.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant stretch" to describe a physical distance, consider the audience's familiarity with the location to ensure the significance is clear. For instance, "a significant stretch of the Amazon River" resonates more universally than "a significant stretch of Elm Street."

Common error

Avoid using "a significant stretch" when the length or duration is subjectively significant only to a small group. Ensure the significance is broadly understood or clearly explained to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

A significant stretch typically functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, indicating a notable extent or duration. Ludwig examples show it describing distances, time periods, or even figurative progress. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

24%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant stretch" is a versatile phrase used to denote a notable extent, duration, or portion. Ludwig examples show its application across diverse contexts from geographical distances to time periods and abstract concepts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While commonly found in news, science, and sports reporting, its neutral register allows for broad applicability. To use it effectively, ensure the significance is clear and relevant to the audience. Remember, there are also alternatives like "a considerable distance" or "a notable period" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable distance

Focuses on the length or extent, implying a notable space or duration.

a notable duration

Emphasizes the length of time involved, highlighting its importance.

a substantial period

Highlights the amount of time, suggesting a considerable length.

a sizable expanse

Emphasizes the area covered, indicating a large region or surface.

a considerable segment

Focuses on a portion or section, implying a notable amount or part.

a marked increase

Emphasizes a considerable growth or rise, highlighting the magnitude of the change.

a prominent segment

Focuses on a portion or section, highlighting its importance.

a major portion

Highlights the amount or part, suggesting a considerable share.

a long duration

Emphasizes the length of time, indicating a considerable period.

a large segment

Focuses on a portion or section, implying a considerable amount or part.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant stretch" to describe a notable distance, period, or portion. For example, "The project covers "a significant stretch" of the coastline" or "He was absent for "a significant stretch" of the semester".

What are some alternatives to "a significant stretch"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a considerable distance", "a notable period", or "a substantial portion".

Is it better to say "a significant stretch of time" or "a long stretch of time"?

Both are correct, but "a significant stretch of time" implies that the duration is not only long but also important or impactful. "A long stretch of time" simply indicates duration.

Can "a significant stretch" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, ""a significant stretch"" can describe abstract concepts like progress or effort. For example, "We've covered "a significant stretch" in achieving our goals".