it was stretched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was stretched" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been extended or pulled to a greater length or size, often referring to physical objects or materials. Example: "The rubber band was so old that it was stretched beyond its original size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

After this hybrid sample was fixed to a mechanical apparatus, it was stretched toward the uniaxial direction and its R s values were measured at specific stretching strains.

Nanoscale Research Letters

They'd both looked down at the snake then, its eyes like two pebbles, its body all but indistinguishable from the length of rough wood it was stretched out on.

The New Yorker

It was a beautiful piece of work, but it was stretched out of shape and the leather had lost its luster probably from improper cleaning.

Vice

PARIS — The tension at the Celine show Sunday was like a wire vibrating as it was stretched to the limit.

The New York Times

It was stretched across the wall of the warehouse, and he would go and look at it and work on it when he felt like it.

The New Yorker

The thin but strong rubber skin was transported to New York, where it was stretched over a frame that mimics the original structure.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Then it's stretched.

The New York Times

"It's stretched out, less centralized.

The New York Times

It's stretched me intellectually, emotionally.

The Guardian

"Sometimes it is loose, sometimes it is stretched".

The Guardian - Money

The material is respectable and deliberate, yet it's stretched a little thin.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was stretched" to describe physical objects or abstract concepts when they have been extended or strained beyond their normal state.

Common error

Avoid using "it was stretched" to solely describe emotional states. While metaphorically appropriate in some contexts, consider alternatives like 'it was strained' or 'it was tested' for more clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was stretched" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something underwent the action of being stretched. Ludwig examples confirm its correct and usable grammar in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

31%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was stretched" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something underwent the action of being extended or strained. It is considered grammatically correct and usable, as validated by Ludwig. This phrase is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using "it was stretched", ensure it accurately conveys physical extension or metaphorical strain and consider alternative phrasings like "it was extended" or "it was strained" for nuanced meaning. Ludwig’s examples demonstrate the phrase's versatility and correct usage across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was extended

Focuses on the act of making something longer, often in a physical sense.

it was elongated

Emphasizes the lengthening of something, typically in one dimension.

it was expanded

Implies an increase in size or scope.

it was strained

Implies pressure or tension leading to extension, often suggesting a limit.

it was overextended

Suggests being stretched beyond a safe or reasonable limit.

it was taut

Describes a state of being tightly stretched, often implying rigidity.

it was distended

Suggests expansion from internal pressure, leading to a stretched state.

it was spread out

Emphasizes the action of distributing something over a wider area.

it was amplified

Indicates an increase in magnitude or intensity, metaphorically 'stretching' its impact.

it was augmented

Implies an addition that enhances or stretches the capabilities of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was stretched" in a sentence?

You can use "it was stretched" to describe a physical object that has been elongated, such as "The rubber band "it was stretched" to its breaking point". It can also describe abstract concepts, like "The budget "it was stretched" thin by the new project".

What are some alternatives to "it was stretched"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it was extended", "it was strained", or "it was elongated".

Is "it was stretched" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was stretched" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, as seen in examples from news media and scientific publications. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and overall tone.

When should I avoid using "it was stretched"?

Avoid using "it was stretched" if a more precise verb better conveys the specific type of extension or strain. For example, use "it was expanded" when referring to an increase in size, or "it was strained" when emphasizing tension.