is stretched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is stretched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been extended or pulled tight, often referring to physical objects or metaphorical situations. Example: "The rubber band is stretched to its limit, ready to snap back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sometimes the term is stretched.

The Economist

The game is stretched.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Cabo's investment is stretched thin.

The New York Times

Ms. Bair's agency is stretched.

The New York Times

France's system of social insurance is stretched.

The Economist

"The donor community is stretched," he said.

The New York Times

Everyone is stretched so thin around here.

The New York Times - Magazine

Funding is stretched to breaking point.

The Guardian - Business

As a result his choreographic vision is stretched thin.

The New York Times - Arts

My other leg is stretched out behind me.

Independent

Life is pretty stressful and, financially, the family is stretched.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is stretched" to describe resources, consider clarifying what resources are being stretched and the implications of this strain. For example, "The budget is stretched thin, leading to cuts in essential services."

Common error

Avoid using "is stretched" without providing specific context. Saying 'the system is stretched' is vague. Instead, specify what aspect of the system is under strain, like 'the healthcare system is stretched due to the aging population'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is stretched" primarily functions as a stative verb phrase, describing a condition or state of being. It indicates that something has been extended, strained, or utilized to its limit. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and versatile across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is stretched" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that has been extended, strained, or utilized to its limit. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. While the phrase is common, providing specific context is crucial to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "is strained", "is extended", and "is taxed" can be used to add nuance to your writing. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "is stretched" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is strained

Emphasizes the exertion and potential for damage due to being stretched.

is extended

Focuses on the lengthening aspect, lacking the implication of stress or difficulty.

is overextended

Suggests that limits have been surpassed and the entity is vulnerable as a result.

is taxed

Highlights the burden or demand placed on something, particularly resources.

is at its limit

Expresses that something has reached the point beyond which it cannot extend or endure.

is pulled taut

Emphasizes the tension and tightness resulting from the stretching action.

is at capacity

Implies that the maximum limit has been reached and no further expansion is possible.

is under pressure

Stresses the external forces acting upon something, leading to its stretched state.

is thinly spread

Indicates a lack of concentration or even distribution, often implying inadequacy.

is maxed out

Informal way to say the resource is fully used or occupied and therefore stretched.

FAQs

How can I use "is stretched" in a sentence?

You can use "is stretched" to describe physical extension, like "The rubber band is stretched tight", or to describe resources being strained, like "The budget is stretched to its limit".

What can I say instead of "is stretched"?

You can use alternatives like "is strained", "is extended", or "is taxed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is stretched" or "has been stretched"?

Both "is stretched" and "has been stretched" are correct, but they convey different tenses. "Is stretched" implies a current state, while "has been stretched" implies a past action with present relevance.

What's the difference between "is stretched" and "is strained"?

"Is stretched" generally refers to something being lengthened or extended. "Is strained", on the other hand, implies pressure and potential damage or exhaustion. While they can be similar, "is strained" carries a stronger connotation of stress.