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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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don't stretch yourself too thin

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But don't stretch yourself too thin – it's easy to say yes to everything but remember, if you can't deliver this will only backfire.

News & Media

The Guardian

The bottom line is that you should do your financial research, get help with your potential tax benefits (which can get complicated), and don't stretch yourself too thin — or you will pay for it.

News & Media

The New York Times

Don't stretch yourself too thin, or put yourself in dangerous situations.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Finally, do not stretch yourself too thin when you do decide to buy, and stick with a traditional fixed-rate mortgage.

News & Media

The New York Times

Don't stretch yourself too much.

You have commitments elsewhere and if you stretch yourself too thin, the quality of what you are doing will suffer.

Applied to Goods: License, but don't stretch a brand name too thin.

News & Media

Forbes

Don't stretch too hard.

Don't stretch too far.

Don't stretch too much.

Don't stretch too soon.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "don't stretch yourself too thin", make sure the context clearly indicates a situation where someone is at risk of taking on too many responsibilities or commitments. This phrase is most effective when advising caution and promoting a balanced approach to workload.

Common error

Avoid using "don't stretch yourself too thin" when referring to physical stretching or literal expansion. This phrase is specifically related to managing responsibilities, time, and resources—not physical actions or material properties. For physical activities, phrases like "don't overextend yourself" are more accurate.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "don't stretch yourself too thin" functions as an imperative, directly advising against overextending one's commitments or resources. It implies a need for caution and prioritization, as suggested by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "don't stretch yourself too thin" is a piece of advice against taking on too many responsibilities at once. Ludwig's analysis shows it's grammatically correct and frequently used in news media and general advice contexts to promote balance and prevent burnout. Similar phrases include "don't spread yourself too thin" and "avoid overcommitting yourself". The most effective way to use this phrase is when warning someone of a situation where they risk taking on too many responsibilities and want to promote balance. Remember, the goal is to manage your workload effectively and maintain a sustainable pace.

FAQs

What does it mean to "stretch yourself too thin"?

To "stretch yourself too thin" means to take on too many commitments or responsibilities, resulting in a lack of focus, reduced quality of work, and increased stress. It implies spreading your resources and energy inefficiently across multiple tasks.

How can I avoid "stretching myself too thin"?

To avoid "stretching yourself too thin", prioritize tasks, learn to say no to additional commitments, delegate when possible, and focus on quality over quantity. Setting realistic goals and understanding your limits are crucial.

What are alternative ways to say "don't stretch yourself too thin"?

You can use phrases like "don't spread yourself too thin", "avoid overcommitting yourself", or "don't take on more than you can handle" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever a good idea to "stretch yourself thin"?

While sometimes a period of intense activity is unavoidable, consistently "stretching yourself thin" can lead to burnout and reduced effectiveness. It's generally better to focus on a manageable workload and maintain a sustainable pace. Consider focusing on what can add value rather than everything at once.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: