it will be a stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will be a stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something may be difficult to achieve or requires significant effort beyond what is typical or expected. Example: "Getting the project done by tomorrow will be a stretch, given the amount of work left to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Data this week show it will be a stretch to hit even that.

The Economist

It will be a stretch, but he is ready for it.

The Guardian - Sport

It will be a stretch even to continue that level of spending.

The New York Times

With just half a year to go, it will be a stretch for the near-bankrupt dictatorship to overcome the misrule continuing under his son, Kim Jong Il.

The Economist

It will be a stretch, but if I burn the midnight oil I know I can continue to represent my constituents well as I study.

The Guardian

"It will be a stretch for him to be included on the final roster of 20 plus 3 alternates," Rongen said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It'll be a stretch, even on a consultant's salary, so the political convictions of his financial adviser aren't something to dismiss lightly.

The Guardian

But he gets increasingly crooked as the tournament heats up and it'll be a stretch for him to improve on his US Open best - as Rob says, 12th place.

BBC

He added: "In terms if the original date for the Piccadilly Line of 2014, it will be a real stretch to get it done by that".

BBC

That will be a stretch.

The Washington Post

Ending stupid, shouty politics will be a stretch even for someone with the talents of Malcolm Turnbull.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will be a stretch" when you want to convey that achieving a goal is possible, but requires significant effort and may be difficult. It's useful for setting realistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "it will be a stretch" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound less professional than alternatives like "it will be challenging" or "it will require considerable effort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will be a stretch" functions as a prediction or assessment of difficulty. It indicates that achieving a certain outcome will require significant effort and may be challenging. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it will be a stretch" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that achieving a goal will require significant effort and may be difficult. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile across various contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media. For highly formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives like "it will be challenging" or "it will require considerable effort".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will be challenging

Emphasizes the difficulty involved, focusing on the challenge aspect.

it will be difficult

A more direct and general statement about the level of effort required.

it will be demanding

Highlights the high requirements and expectations involved.

it will take some doing

An idiomatic expression implying significant effort and persistence.

it will be ambitious

Focuses on the high goals and scope of the endeavor.

it will be an uphill battle

Suggests a constant struggle against obstacles and resistance.

it will be a tall order

Implies that the task is demanding and requires exceptional effort.

it will require a lot of effort

Highlights the substantial amount of work needed to achieve the goal.

it will push the limits

Suggests that the endeavor will test the boundaries of capability.

it will be no mean feat

An idiomatic way to say that something will be a considerable accomplishment.

FAQs

What does "it will be a stretch" mean?

The phrase "it will be a stretch" means that something will be difficult to achieve or require significant effort beyond what is typical or expected.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it will be a stretch"?

It's appropriate to use "it will be a stretch" when you want to indicate that a goal is attainable, but only with considerable effort and difficulty. It's often used to set realistic expectations.

What are some alternatives to "it will be a stretch"?

You can use alternatives like "it will be challenging", "it will be difficult", or "it will require significant effort" depending on the context.

Is "it will be a stretch" too informal for professional writing?

While grammatically correct, "it will be a stretch" might be considered slightly informal for very formal or academic writing. In such cases, opt for more professional alternatives like "it will be demanding" or "it will require considerable effort".