a stretch of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stretch of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a length of a period of time or a distance. For example, "We took a stretch of 10 minutes to rest before continuing on with our journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A stretch of track is ruined, too.

The New York Times

It is a stretch of 28 tournaments.

The New York Times - Sports

A stretch of highway in Florida.

The Guardian - Opinion

It allows for a stretch of innovation".

The New York Times

Now there's a stretch of driving ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

A stretch of hissing water appeared in the distance.

Independent

A stretch of the Appalachian Trail runs through the township.

The New York Times

Late in the morning, we entered a stretch of fog.

The New Yorker

To me, this is a stretch of the sociological imagination.

The New Yorker

It sloped a stretch of asphalt toward a second garden.

The New York Times

Like a stretch of single train track with shuntings over.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stretch of" to describe a continuous length of time, distance, or abstract quality. For instance, "a stretch of highway" or "a stretch of good luck".

Common error

Avoid using "a stretch of" to describe discrete or non-continuous items. It's more appropriate to say "a series of events" than "a stretch of events".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stretch of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a continuous length or extent of something. It is commonly used to describe both physical distances and periods of time, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

43%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stretch of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a continuous length or extent, whether physical or abstract. Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical status as correct and very common, appearing frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. To ensure accurate usage, remember that it is more appropriate for non-discrete nouns, such as "a stretch of road" or "a stretch of time", instead of discrete nouns, where other phrases like "a series of" would be better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a span of

Focuses on the duration or extent, similar to "a stretch of" but may imply a more continuous period.

a period of

Emphasizes a segment of time, differing from "a stretch of" which can also apply to distance or space.

a section of

Highlights a specific part or segment of something, applicable to both physical and abstract entities.

a length of

Specifically refers to the measurement of something, more direct than "a stretch of".

a duration of

Implies the time something lasts.

a phase of

Implies a transition or a stage within a process, while "a stretch of" usually suggests an extent.

a segment of

Implies a component.

a measure of

Emphasizes quantity or the size of something, more specific than the general meaning of "a stretch of".

an extent of

Directly indicates how far something reaches or the degree to which it exists.

a distance of

Specifies the space between two points, only applicable in spatial contexts unlike "a stretch of" which can be time-based.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stretch of" to describe a continuous length of something, such as "a stretch of highway", "a stretch of time", or "a stretch of good weather".

What are some alternatives to "a stretch of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a span of", "a period of", or "a section of".

Is it correct to use "a stretch of" for abstract concepts?

Yes, "a stretch of" can be used for abstract concepts, such as "a stretch of imagination" or "a stretch of luck", to indicate a continuous or extended period or degree of that concept.

When should I avoid using "a stretch of"?

Avoid using "a stretch of" when referring to discrete, non-continuous items. Instead, opt for phrases like "a series of" or "a number of".