a stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a period of time or a distance. For example, "The road is a stretch of 15 miles between the two towns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How's that for a stretch?

The New York Times

Have a stretch.

Independent

A stretch? Maybe.

The New York Times - Arts

That is a stretch.

The Economist

But it's a stretch.

The New York Times

This was a stretch.

The Economist

That seems a stretch.

The New York Times

But that's a stretch.

The Economist

That's quite a stretch.

The New York Times - Arts

That's really a stretch.

The New York Times

Thirty at a stretch.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stretch" when you want to express that something is not easily believable or requires a significant leap in logic or imagination.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "a stretch" excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stretch" functions as a subject complement or adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing it as improbable or difficult to believe. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a stretch" is a common and versatile expression used to convey doubt or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more precise language in highly formal settings. When you aim to politely express skepticism, "a stretch" serves as an effective and readily understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exaggeration

Focuses on the act of overstating or magnifying something.

a bit much

Indicates something is excessive or goes too far.

a long shot

Highlights the improbability of success or occurrence.

hard to believe

Emphasizes the difficulty in accepting something as true.

quite a distance

Focuses on the length or extent of something, especially physical distance.

somewhat unlikely

Suggests a lower probability of something happening.

straining credibility

Highlights that something is testing the limits of believability.

pushing it

Indicates someone is going beyond acceptable limits.

a considerable distance

Emphasizes a relatively big amount of space.

a remote possibility

Highlights the slight chance of something happening

FAQs

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

You can use "a stretch" to express doubt or disbelief about a statement. For example, "Claiming that this new product will solve all our problems is "a stretch"."

What does "a stretch" mean?

"A stretch" implies that something is an exaggeration, unlikely, or requires a considerable leap of faith to believe. It suggests a statement or idea is not entirely credible.

What can I say instead of "a stretch"?

Alternatives include "an exaggeration", "a long shot", or "hard to believe", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a stretch" in writing?

Use "a stretch" in informal or neutral contexts when you want to politely express skepticism or disagreement without being overly critical. It's less suitable for formal academic or professional writing where more precise language is preferred.