has been stretched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been stretched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been extended or elongated over time, often referring to physical objects or abstract concepts like time or limits. Example: "The fabric has been stretched due to repeated washing, causing it to lose its original shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That rule has been stretched.

The New York Times - Sports

Everything about us has been stretched.

The New York Times - Sports

My team's comfort level has been stretched.

The Guardian - Sport

The force has been stretched by a decade of combat.

The New York Times

Alabama's penal system has been stretched well beyond capacity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There's a word that has been stretched almost beyond elasticity.

The New York Times

The 16th has been stretched to 670 yards, the longest par 5 in U.S. Open history.

The New York Times - Sports

The US military has been stretched to breaking point by the war in Iraq.

Independent

The 48-hour deadline has been stretched out to this week.

The Washington Post

As for the temptation to demonize, our tolerance has been stretched but not broken.

The New York Times

Such technology spending, to be sure, has slowed and has been stretched in the current downturn.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been stretched" when you want to convey that something's limits or capacity have been tested or exceeded, whether physically or conceptually. For example, "The budget has been stretched due to unforeseen expenses."

Common error

Avoid using "has been stretched" too frequently in metaphorical contexts within the same piece of writing. Vary your language to prevent the writing from sounding repetitive or uninspired. Alternatives such as "has been extended" or "has been strained" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been stretched" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. Ludwig indicates the correctness and usability of this phrase, supporting its grammatical function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been stretched" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something has been extended beyond its normal or intended limits. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and is suitable for both formal and informal communication. While widely applicable, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider alternatives to maintain clarity and impact in writing. Remember to use it to convey extension, strain, or the exceeding of capacity effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been extended

Focuses on the act of making something longer or more comprehensive.

has been expanded

Emphasizes growth in size, scope, or detail.

has been strained

Highlights the exertion of pressure or force to the point of potential damage or failure.

has been elongated

Specifically refers to making something longer in a physical sense.

has been pushed

Suggests that something has been urged beyond its normal limits or capacity.

has been overextended

Implies that resources or capabilities have been used beyond a sustainable level.

has been amplified

Focuses on increasing the intensity or magnitude of something.

has been maximized

Suggests that something has been increased to its fullest possible extent.

has been augmented

Indicates that something has been enhanced or supplemented to improve its quality or effectiveness.

has been inflated

Implies that something has been expanded, often artificially or unrealistically.

FAQs

How can I use "has been stretched" in a sentence?

Use "has been stretched" to indicate that something has been extended beyond its normal or intended limits. For example, "The deadline "has been extended", but the team's resources "have been stretched" thin."

What's the difference between "has been stretched" and "has been strained"?

"Has been stretched" implies an elongation or extension, while "has been strained" suggests pressure or tension to the point of potential damage. Therefore, stretched focuses on physical or conceptual expansion, and strained emphasizes stress or difficulty.

What are some alternatives to "has been stretched"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "has been stretched" include "has been extended", "has been expanded", or "has been pushed". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is "has been stretched" formal or informal?

"Has been stretched" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and casual conversations, indicating its versatility.