a substantial stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or claim that is significantly exaggerated or far-fetched. Example: "Claiming that he can run a marathon without any training is a substantial stretch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This would be a substantial stretch of its jurisdiction, one the agency might not want to make.

The New York Times

Then, for a substantial stretch of his solo, he dropped the left hand and concentrated on improvising a compelling line.

The New York Times

Recovery times for high ankle sprains vary widely, but it seems likely Amukamara will miss a substantial stretch.

The New York Times - Sports

Usually, when pitchers are out for a substantial stretch, they require six weeks to get their arms back in shape, a period that replicates spring training and includes about five minor league starts.

The New York Times - Sports

Whether he expected such a substantial stretch of privacy when he withdrew from New York is unknown, as is almost everything about his private life in a place that is not nearly so remote from the world as most of his readers supposed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Based on these recombinants, we concluded that homology-based repair of DSBs promoted exchange of a substantial uninterrupted stretch of sequence.

eLife

Another part of the Bush plan would turn over the tracks from Washington to Boston, the so-called Northeast Corridor and the only substantial stretch of track that Amtrak owns, to a new federal-state organization that would pay to upgrade it.

The New York Times

Indeed, we have previously demonstrated that tidal volumes up to 20 ml/kg are unlikely to induce substantial stretch within the lungs of healthy mice (58).

American Journal of Physiology - Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology

Over the years, the overly optimistic have included women who have set off in high heels, even though the trail entails scrambling over slippery creek logs, tackling substantial stretches of rocky boulders, climbing 97 switchbacks and crossing a snowfield near the summit.

The New York Times

Beginning in the early 1980s Mr. Gazzara spent substantial stretches of time acting in movies in Italy, where he had a villa in Umbria.

The New York Times

There are also footpaths along substantial stretches of the coasts of Sussex, Kent, Essex, Lincolnshire and Northumbria.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial stretch" to describe something unrealistic, ensure the context clearly indicates what the original claim or idea is, and why the new one is unlikely or exaggerated. This improves clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial stretch" in contexts where you actually mean "a considerable achievement" or "a significant improvement". While "stretch" can sometimes imply progress, "a substantial stretch" generally carries a connotation of exaggeration or unlikelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial stretch" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It signifies a significant extension, either in terms of time, distance, or credibility, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial stretch" is a phrase used to describe a significant exaggeration or an unlikely claim. While grammatically sound and recognized by Ludwig as correct, its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase most commonly appears in news and media contexts and also in scientific contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, avoiding confusion with expressions of achievement or improvement. When deploying "a substantial stretch", clarity is key to prevent misinterpretations. Remember, it is more about skepticism than praise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable exaggeration

Focuses on the act of exaggerating rather than a literal stretch.

a significant overstatement

Emphasizes the act of stating something beyond the truth.

a major distortion

Highlights the idea of twisting or misrepresenting something significantly.

a wild claim

Stresses the implausibility of the statement.

a far-fetched idea

Emphasizes the unlikelihood or implausibility of the notion.

a tenuous connection

Highlights the weak relationship or link between two things.

a considerable distance

Focuses on a long physical separation or abstract difference.

a notable period

Highlights a significant duration of time.

an extended duration

Emphasizes the length of time involved.

a prolonged interval

Stresses a lengthy break or gap between events.

FAQs

What does "a substantial stretch" mean?

The phrase "a substantial stretch" typically refers to a significant exaggeration, a considerable distance, or a notable period of time, depending on the context. It implies that something is being extended or interpreted beyond reasonable limits.

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

You can use "a substantial stretch" to indicate that a claim is far-fetched, like: "Claiming that the project will be completed in a week is "a substantial stretch" given the complexity of the task."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial stretch"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a substantial stretch" include "a considerable exaggeration", "a significant overstatement", or "a far-fetched idea".

Is it appropriate to use "a substantial stretch" in formal writing?

Yes, "a substantial stretch" can be used in formal writing, particularly in news articles or analytical reports where you are critiquing or evaluating claims. However, ensure that your tone remains objective and professional.