ability to stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing flexibility, adaptability, or the capacity to extend something physically or metaphorically. Example: "The athlete's ability to stretch before the competition significantly improved her performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

His ability to stretch teams like that is important".

The Guardian - Sport

The ability to stretch your neck and legs while you wait for your track assignment.

The New York Times

He displayed sure hands, the ability to stretch the seam and good skill after the catch.

The New York Times

L.S.U. has two quarterbacks with severe limitations and little ability to stretch the field vertically.

The New York Times - Sports

The band's ability to stretch made it a sensible headliner for a Bell Atlantic Jazz Festival show.

The New York Times - Arts

The ability to stretch vaccines further might not be far away, increasing their supply once they are available.

The Economist

Without Johnson's ability to stretch the floor and generate points in the post, the Nets have relied heavily on Williams.

The New York Times - Sports

But the real problem with such language is that it undermines Straight's ability to stretch our understanding of extreme behavior.

The New York Times - Books

Although he does not possess De Bruyne's effectiveness and unpredictability in possession, his direct speed and ability to stretch the play are useful weapons.

The Guardian - Sport

Martin Jol, the Fulham manager, is keen to sign a partner for Dimitar Berbatov with pace, the ability to stretch defences and a goal threat.

The Guardian - Sport

The Knicks could particularly use Wallace's presence on defense and his ability to stretch the floor with his long-range shooting.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, pair "ability to stretch" with specific examples to illustrate its impact. For instance, instead of saying "The company has the ability to stretch its resources", specify: "The company has the ability to stretch its resources by leveraging remote work and automation".

Common error

Avoid using "ability to stretch" without a clear object or context. Saying something has "the ability to stretch" without specifying what it stretches can make your writing sound ambiguous and less impactful. Always clarify the subject being stretched.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to stretch" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the inherent capacity or potential to expand, extend, or adapt something. Ludwig AI confirms this, as it is widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to stretch" is a versatile noun phrase widely used to describe the capacity to expand, extend, or adapt, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence in diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias, underscore its importance in both literal and figurative senses. When using this phrase, it is crucial to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity and ensure impactful communication. Alternatives such as "capacity to expand" or "flexibility to adapt" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the specific context. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for expressing adaptability and potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flexibility to adapt

Emphasizes the adaptability and pliability to change.

capacity to expand

Focuses on the potential to increase in size or scope.

potential to extend

Highlights the possibility of lengthening or prolonging something.

capacity to elongate

Highlights the ability to increase in length, particularly physically.

capability to broaden

Emphasizes the ability to widen or increase in range.

aptitude to lengthen

Suggests a natural skill or talent for making something longer.

power to amplify

Indicates the strength or force to increase the magnitude of something.

skill at extending

Focuses on the proficiency in making something reach further.

talent for widening

Highlights an innate ability to increase the breadth of something.

facility in expanding

Suggests ease and dexterity in increasing the scale of something.

FAQs

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

Use "ability to stretch" to describe the capacity to expand, extend, or adapt. For example: "The team's "ability to stretch" deadlines allowed them to complete the project successfully".

What are some alternatives to "ability to stretch"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity to expand", "potential to extend", or "flexibility to adapt" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate: "ability to stretch" or "capacity to stretch"?

Both "ability to stretch" and "capacity to stretch" are acceptable. "Ability" refers to the power or skill to do something, while "capacity" refers to the potential to hold or contain. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "ability to stretch" and "opportunity to stretch"?

"Ability to stretch" refers to an inherent capability or skill, while "opportunity to stretch" refers to a chance or situation that allows one to extend or expand their skills or resources. They are related but focus on different aspects: capability versus occasion.