lengthy stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lengthy stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a long period of time or a considerable distance in a specific context. Example: "The marathon was a lengthy stretch of road that tested the endurance of all the runners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

After a few hearty laughs and the profuse apologies of Conrad Bain, good old Mr Wilkes happily avoids a lengthy stretch at Rikers Island.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, after two years as the captain for Riverkeeper, he is intimately familiar with every reef, sandbar and oyster bed along his lengthy stretch of the Hudson River.

The New York Times

It was hard to imagine this frail, delicate man-child surviving a lengthy stretch in the hard-as-nails California state prison system.

The Guardian - Music

With New York City Marathon runners now settled on Fourth Avenue for a lengthy stretch, many take stock of their pace, grab their first cup of water or high-five a child for the first of, oh, a hundred times.

The New York Times

A bonus is that a lengthy stretch of beach north of the Marriott is kept in immaculate condition thanks to the hotel's expansion of its beach cleaning area beyond the sand immediately in front of its premises.

The Guardian - Travel

Surges from the Knicks (10 consecutive wins) and the Pacers (five in a row) have most likely removed any real chance for the Nets to secure a division title or a top-three playoff seed, but a winning record in such a lengthy stretch away from home should bolster spirits heading into the postseason.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

My day, once broken by naps, gradually turned into lengthy stretches of sleep, punctuated by moments of wakefulness.

The New York Times - Magazine

Injuries have deprived the Yankees of nearly all of their star hitters for lengthy stretches this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Luo spent lengthy stretches of his later life working in Beijing but always returned to Yangzhou, where he died.

The New York Times - Arts

Mika Zibanejad had the other goal for Ottawa, which got 26 saves from Craig Anderson in a game the Canadiens controlled for lengthy stretches.

The New York Times - Sports

Lengthy stretches of near-contemporary history written by prominent local (Republican) settler-politician Anthony Jennings Bledsoe are dedicated to sarcastically deriding several federal officers for their "philanthropy" — including a demand for evidence of murder or imminent danger before attacking native tribes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing prison sentences, "lengthy stretch" is a common and easily understood idiom. Use it to convey the idea of a significant time served.

Common error

Avoid using "lengthy stretch" when a more precise measurement is needed. For example, instead of saying "a lengthy stretch of road", specify "a 50-mile stretch of road" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy stretch" functions as a noun phrase, where "lengthy" modifies the noun "stretch". As shown by Ludwig, this combination typically describes either a significant duration of time or a considerable distance, indicating an extended or prolonged aspect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lengthy stretch" is a versatile expression used to describe either a considerable duration of time or a significant distance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and usable in written English. Commonly found in news and media contexts, it provides a clear and concise way to emphasize the prolonged or extended nature of something. While alternatives like "extended period" or "considerable distance" can offer more precision, "lengthy stretch" remains a useful idiom for general communication. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, and avoid it in formal settings where greater specificity is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended period

Focuses on the temporal aspect, emphasizing a considerable duration of time rather than physical distance.

prolonged duration

Highlights the continuation of something over a significant amount of time.

long haul

Implies a sustained effort or commitment over an extended period.

considerable distance

Shifts the emphasis to physical space, denoting a significant spatial extent.

significant span

A general term applicable to both time and distance, indicating a notable extent.

substantial segment

Suggests a notable portion or section, applicable to time, space, or other measurable quantities.

lengthy interval

Specifically denotes a significant amount of time between two points or events.

extensive reach

Emphasizes the scope or influence something has over a large area or range.

wide expanse

Describes a broad, open area or space, often used in geographical contexts.

protracted spell

Refers to a continuous period, often of unfavorable conditions or circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "lengthy stretch" in a sentence?

You can use "lengthy stretch" to describe a long duration of time, as in "He served a "lengthy stretch" in prison". It can also refer to a considerable distance, such as "The road included a "lengthy stretch" along the coast".

What's a good alternative to "lengthy stretch" when referring to time?

When referring to time, alternatives to "lengthy stretch" include "extended period", "prolonged duration", or "long haul" depending on the context.

Is "lengthy stretch" appropriate for formal writing?

"Lengthy stretch" is generally suitable for neutral to informal contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise or descriptive alternatives like "extended duration" or "considerable distance".

How does "lengthy stretch" differ from "long period"?

"Lengthy stretch" often implies a continuous, sometimes arduous duration, whereas "long period" is a more general term for an extended amount of time. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.