an extensive stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extensive stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a long or significant distance or duration, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The hikers embarked on an extensive stretch of the trail that would take them through the heart of the national park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Part of the cemetery was excavated in the 1980s by the Museum of London, when the Broadgate Centre was built But while towering office blocks gradually replaced the Victorian townhouses, factories and warehouses – which in turn displaced the warren of poor Georgian buildings – an extensive stretch of the burial ground survived under Liverpool Street itself.

The Guardian

Although the modern lake was created by the Cawdor family from nearby Stackpole in the 18th century, there has always been an extensive stretch of water here and, according to legend, this was the lake where Bedwyr threw Excalibur after the death of his beloved king.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

One group took part in an extensive stretching class, another was taught resistance training, and the third group performed tai chi.

The New York Times

The extensive stretch of territory lying to the south of the Russian Federation is to be divvied up with a future Iranian Empire and with Armenia as well.

Stanford University

Białowieża forest, which straddles the border, is the last extensive stretch of the primeval forest that once covered all of north-east Europe, while, 100km to the north, the Biebrza marshes are among the continent's most important wetlands.

The Guardian - Travel

It is that there is a general sense, among the American public, that previously in history, when the American economy really grew at great rates in the extensive stretch of time before the era of free-trade ideology after 1945, we had tariffs.

Forbes

Beleskey is often seen doing extensive stretching, part of an off-season regimen that includes yoga.

Los Angeles Times

Also the human brain has a subpopulation of molecules having similar features, while other tissues and cultured cells replicate their mtDNA using a standard theta-mechanism but incorporating extensive stretches of ribonucleotides on the lagging-strand [10], [11].

Plosone

Central Chile has an almost straight coastline characterised by numerous extensive stretches of beach that isolate rocky-shore habitats [ 8]; this coast was largely unaffected by ice during the Pleistocene glaciations [ 26].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The genes that are in common have a high mean nucleotide similarity (92±4%) and extensive stretches of synteny (supplementary table S1, Supplementary Material online).

Genome Biology and Evolution

With the exception of the fine harbours of Varna and Burgas, the coast has few bays, but it does have extensive stretches of sandy beach that are features of a number of picturesque seaside resorts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extensive stretch", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a physical distance, a period of time, or a range of something. This will help maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "extensive", which relates to the size or scope of something, with "intensive", which implies a high degree of concentration or effort. For example, use "an extensive stretch of coastline" (large area) rather than "an intensive stretch of coastline" (which doesn't make sense).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive stretch" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and describes a considerable area or duration. The examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an extensive stretch" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a considerable area, duration, or scope. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is relatively rare. As indicated by the examples provided, it appears in diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity regarding whether you're referring to a physical distance, a period of time, or a range of something. Alternatives such as "a considerable expanse" or "a vast extent" may be suitable depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable expanse

Replaces 'stretch' with 'expanse', emphasizing area more than length. Similarity decreases slightly.

a vast extent

Uses 'vast' to amplify the size and 'extent' to refer to the area covered. More formal.

a wide area

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the breadth of the area. Less emphasis on continuity.

a long duration

Shifts focus to time rather than physical space. Applicable when referring to periods.

a significant period

Similar to 'long duration', but slightly more formal. Can refer to time or stages.

a large tract

Emphasizes a specific portion of land. More technical.

a broad scope

Refers to the range or comprehensiveness of a topic or activity. More abstract.

a substantial segment

Focuses on a portion of something, implying it's a significant part. Less common.

a prolonged course

Suggests a longer, linear path or development. Suitable for processes or events.

a sizable section

Highlights the size of the portion, often in a quantifiable manner. Less formal.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extensive stretch" to describe a long area, period of time, or range. For example: "The highway covers "an extensive stretch" of desert", "She dedicated "an extensive stretch" of time to the project", or "The investigation covered "an extensive stretch" of the evidence".

What can I say instead of "an extensive stretch"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable expanse", "a vast extent", or "a wide area" depending on the context.

Is "an extensive stretch" formal or informal?

"An extensive stretch" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What's the difference between "an extensive stretch" and "a long stretch"?

"An extensive stretch" implies a larger or more significant area or time period than "a long stretch". "Extensive" suggests something is wide-ranging or comprehensive, while "long" simply refers to physical length or duration.