can stretch from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can stretch from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a range or extent of something, often in terms of time, distance, or variety. Example: "The festival's activities can stretch from music performances to art exhibitions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

With four different skewers and three different dips, the possible permutations can stretch from sunset to blue moon.

The New York Times - Magazine

Currently, the agency is supposed to check on outstanding violations after a period that can stretch from three to four months.

The New York Times

What's needed, Brown wrote at the weekend, is a global new deal - signed at the G20 in April - "whose impact can stretch from the villages of Africa to reforming the financial institutions of London and New York".

The Guardian

Those who complain that the Christmas season starts earlier and earlier each year might find solace in hearing how Filipinos traditionally celebrate the season - theirs can stretch from as early as September to late January.

The New York Times

That judgment is made by the board of directors, and auditors have to agree with it.The difficulty they face is that most companies fund their operations in part through borrowing, which can stretch from simple overdrafts to huge syndicated loans.

The Economist

He said he planned to discuss with Mr. Obama his ideas for "a global New Deal, whose impact can stretch from the villages of Africa to reforming the financial institutions of London and New York".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Longlines, which dangle baited hooks from lines that can stretch for miles, are widely used in commercial fishing.

The New York Times

All that application pays off in intelligent, carefully conceived interpretations that show off Ms. Kaye's abilities as both a comedian and a singer who can stretch comfortably from Broadway shtick to operetta.

The New York Times - Arts

The studio can stretch away from the flock and their habitat.

Huffington Post

The nuances vary, but a relationship can stretch anywhere from a pay pig sending his dominatrix $30 a week to donating the vast majority of his earnings and having his dom take full control of all his finances.

Vice

The nuances vary, but a relationship can stretch anywhere from a pay pig sending his dominatrix £20 a week to donating the vast majority of his earnings and having his dom take full control of all of his finances.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can stretch from", ensure that both the starting and ending points of the range are clearly defined. This avoids ambiguity and makes the statement more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "can stretch from" without specifying both the beginning and end of the range. For example, instead of saying "The project can stretch from several tasks", specify "The project can stretch from initial planning to final execution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can stretch from" functions as a verb phrase indicating the potential extent or range of something, as supported by Ludwig's examples. It suggests the limits within which something can vary or extend.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can stretch from" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a range or extent, as confirmed by Ludwig. Common in News & Media, Science, and Business contexts, it clearly defines the limits within which something varies. While alternatives like "can range from" and "can extend from" exist, choosing "can stretch from" depends on the desired emphasis and flow. For effective usage, ensure both the start and end of the range are clearly specified, avoiding vague statements. Overall, as confirmed by Ludwig, "can stretch from" is a reliable choice for conveying scope and boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can extend from

Replaces "stretch" with "extend", offering a slightly more formal tone.

can range from

Substitutes "stretch" with "range", emphasizing a variety of possibilities within certain limits.

can span from

Uses "span" instead of "stretch", highlighting a continuous extent or duration.

can vary from

Emphasizes the variability within the range, changing "stretch" to "vary".

may reach from

Indicates the potential to achieve a certain extent or limit, using "reach" instead of "stretch".

might go from

Suggests a possible progression or movement from one point to another.

could run from

Implies a continuous flow or sequence, replacing "stretch" with "run".

encompasses the period from

A more formal and comprehensive expression suggesting a complete inclusion within a specified time.

includes everything between

Highlights the inclusiveness of the range without using "stretch".

covers the area from

Focuses on the area or scope affected, changing "stretch" to "cover".

FAQs

How do I use "can stretch from" in a sentence?

Use "can stretch from" to indicate a range or extent. For example, "The conference can stretch from beginner workshops to advanced seminars".

What can I say instead of "can stretch from"?

You can use alternatives like "can range from", "can extend from", or "can span from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can stretches from" instead of "can stretch from"?

No, the correct form is "can stretch from". The modal verb "can" is always followed by the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "can stretch from" and "includes"?

"Can stretch from" indicates a range or extent, while "includes" specifies particular items or aspects within a set. For example, "The curriculum can stretch from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus", versus "The curriculum includes algebra, geometry, and trigonometry".