a tough stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult period or challenging situation in various contexts, such as personal experiences, work, or sports. Example: "After going through a tough stretch at work, I finally feel like things are starting to improve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"We've had a tough stretch.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm just going through a tough stretch," Santana said.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's a tough stretch right there," Keller said.

The New York Times - Sports

We're in a tough stretch right now, so I understand".

The New York Times - Sports

This is a tough stretch we're all going through.

The New York Times - Sports

We had a tough stretch, but it was about how we bounced back".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Barrett's eagerness for a piece of the electronic commerce pie is a tougher stretch for Intel.

Forbes

We have a really tough stretch ahead, and we just have to regroup and get ready.

The New York Times - Sports

This came after a particularly tough stretch during which she was found to have blood clots in her calf.

The New York Times

"We're in a really tough stretch right now," said Girardi, referring to the current stretch of 20 games in 20 days.

The New York Times

The Bears face a very tough stretch of games ahead, however, with two road trips to unforgiving venues, followed by rematches with Kansas and Missouri the following week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough stretch" to describe a period of difficulty or challenge, but be mindful of the context. While it's generally applicable, ensure it aligns with the specific intensity and nature of the situation you're describing.

Common error

While "a tough stretch" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound uninspired. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "a challenging period" or "a difficult phase" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough stretch" functions as a noun phrase, with 'tough' acting as an adjective modifying 'stretch'. It describes a period or phase characterized by difficulty or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough stretch" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a difficult period. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its usefulness in conveying challenges across various domains. While versatile, writers should consider alternatives to avoid overuse and maintain engaging writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for many communication styles. Remember that while 'tough' suggests difficulty, 'stretch' implies a duration or series of challenges, thus the user should keep this in mind while writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging period

Focuses on the difficulty and demanding nature of the time.

a difficult phase

Highlights the problematic nature and transition aspect of the time.

a trying time

Emphasizes the stressful and testing nature of the experience.

a rough patch

Uses a more casual expression for a period of difficulty.

a hard time

A general expression for experiencing difficulty.

an ordeal

Suggests a more severe and prolonged period of suffering.

a problematic spell

Emphasizes the troubles that have occurred in a short duration.

a period of adversity

Highlights the presence of unfavorable conditions and misfortune.

a spell of hardship

Focuses on difficult and adverse circumstances.

a severe test

Emphasizes a challenging assessment of resilience and capability.

FAQs

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

"A tough stretch" typically refers to a challenging period or situation. For example, "The team went through "a tough stretch" after losing three key players to injury."

What are some alternatives to "a tough stretch"?

Alternatives include "a challenging period", "a difficult time", or "a rough patch". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "a tough stretch" formal or informal?

"A tough stretch" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for a more elevated alternative like "a period of adversity".

What makes "a tough stretch" different from "a hard time"?

While both refer to periods of difficulty, "a tough stretch" often implies a specific duration or series of challenges, whereas "a hard time" is a more general expression of hardship. For example: The company experienced "a tough stretch" with consecutive quarterly losses; He's having "a hard time" dealing with his grief.