it is a stretch of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a stretch of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is an exaggeration or not entirely accurate. Example: "Saying that he is the best player in the league is a stretch of the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It is a stretch of 28 tournaments.

The New York Times - Sports

North of it is a stretch of sand dunes called Northam Burrows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Brou beach, in Batemans Marine Park, is one of these locations and it is a stretch of coast I have known and loved all my life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now it is a stretch of ice cream shops, cafes and expensive boutiques; then it was a roiling sea of floating cars and boats, dead animals and people swimming for their lives.

The New York Times

It is a stretch of clay where many players are convinced that conditions are slower than the French Open's other show places, one that has served as an exit for many an American tennis star, from Andre Agassi to Pete Sampras to Roddick.

The New York Times - Sports

With virtually every page of the novel reporting some horror, including the awful stench of death en masse, it is a stretch of the reader's imagination to credit the "love interest" of Thomsen for Hannah Doll as much more than an expedient MacGuffin.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It was a stretch of great meals, laughter and lazy Sundays.

The New York Times

When Orange County incorporated, in 1889, it was a stretch of bean fields and orange groves for developers to dream on.

The New Yorker

It was a stretch of DNA that could be transcribed by an enzyme called polymerase into a chemically similar molecule known as RNA.

The Economist

It was a stretch of futility that cost the offensive coordinator Cam Cameron his job, so unsettled was the Ravens' state of affairs.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a stretch of Route 11 that sweeps through the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania from Scranton north to Binghamton, just over the state line in New York.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is a stretch of" to politely express disagreement or skepticism about a statement without directly accusing someone of lying. For example, instead of saying "That's a lie", you could say "Saying that he is the best player in the league "it is a stretch of" the truth".

Common error

While versatile, using "it is a stretch of" in highly formal or academic writing may sound too informal. Opt for more direct and precise language, such as "the evidence does not support this claim" or "this assertion is not substantiated by the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a stretch of" primarily functions as a qualifier, softening disagreement or expressing doubt about the accuracy or validity of a statement or idea. It can be followed by a noun phrase, as shown in many of the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is a stretch of" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to express mild disagreement or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. While versatile, it is most frequently found in news and media sources. When considering similar phrases, alternatives like "it's an exaggeration of" or "that's stretching the truth" can provide a more nuanced expression. When writing, be mindful of the formality level; while generally neutral, it might be too informal for strict academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's stretching the truth

Implies a distortion of facts to support the statement.

it's an exaggeration of

Emphasizes the overstatement involved, focusing on the inflated nature of the claim.

that's overstating things

Directly points out the exaggeration.

it's a bit of an overstatement

Similar to 'exaggeration' but more formal.

it's a bit of a reach to say

Highlights the tenuous connection or justification for making the statement.

that's pushing it a little

Suggests the statement is bordering on being unacceptable or unreasonable.

it's not entirely accurate

States the statement contains inaccuracies.

it's a tenuous claim

Focuses on the weak or unsubstantiated nature of the assertion.

it's a far-fetched idea

Emphasizes the improbability and lack of realism in the concept.

it's hardly the case

Implies the statement is unlikely or untrue.

FAQs

How can I use "it is a stretch of" in a sentence?

You can use "it is a stretch of" to express that something is an exaggeration or not entirely accurate. For example, "Saying he's an expert is "it is a stretch of" the truth." or "To call this a masterpiece, "it is an overstatement".

What can I say instead of "it is a stretch of"?

You can use alternatives like "it's an exaggeration of", "it's a bit of a reach to say", or "that's stretching the truth" depending on the context.

Is "it is a stretch to say" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is a stretch to say" is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted way to express that a statement is somewhat exaggerated or not entirely justified.

What's the difference between "it is a stretch of" and "it is a stretch to say"?

While both phrases indicate doubt or exaggeration, "it is a stretch of" typically modifies a noun or concept (e.g., "It is a stretch of the imagination"), while "it is a stretch to say" introduces a statement being questioned (e.g., "It is a stretch to say he's qualified").