less of a stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less of a stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two ideas or situations, indicating that one is more reasonable or plausible than the other. Example: "While both options are possible, choosing the local supplier seems like less of a stretch given our budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"It's less of a stretch than you think," he says.

The New York Times

With Bolt the notion of full-blown GOAT-ism seems less of a stretch.

The Guardian - Sport

The program turned out to be less of a stretch than it might at first have seemed.

The New York Times - Arts

If you go to a swanky hotel in India, you'll quite likely be eating at a buffet anyway, so the concept feels less of a stretch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In other words, it's less of a stretch to offer poorer people coverage that is roughly comparable to that of the wealthy.

The New York Times - Health

It's less of a stretch to think that football might decline at school and college level because of parents' health concerns and spiralling insurance costs.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

(We'll omit a precious few critics who dismiss the performance - likening it to Courtney Love's "less-of-a-stretch" performance in The People vs. Larry Flynt).

Huffington Post

In molecular genetics, 'gene' refers, more or less, to a stretch of DNA that codes for a particular protein so a gene is a unit of function.

SEP

Picking up a disposable was less of a creative stretch, but presented a whole new freedom.

Vice

It's hard to predict how they'll play from period to period much less over a stretch of vitally important games.

The New York Times

Perhaps the idea of reorganizing a business to prioritize the environment — possibly by producing less — is too much of a stretch for an industry that has thrived by creating a desire for new things, regardless of whether people need them or not.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less of a stretch" when you want to suggest one explanation or possibility is more reasonable or requires less imagination than another. It is useful for comparing scenarios and highlighting the more logical option.

Common error

While versatile, "less of a stretch" can sound informal in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "more plausible" or "more tenable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less of a stretch" functions as a comparative term. It is used to indicate that one idea, explanation, or course of action is more easily believed or accepted than another. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less of a stretch" is a commonly used phrase that indicates one idea or explanation is more plausible or easier to believe than another. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources. While its versatility is high, being mindful of the audience and purpose is critical to ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easier to believe

Focuses on the simplicity of acceptance, differing by directly addressing the act of believing.

more plausible

Emphasizes the believability or likelihood of something, differing in its direct focus on credibility.

more likely

Focuses on the probability of an event, differing by its direct statement of chance.

more credible

Highlights the trustworthiness of a statement or idea, shifting the focus to reliability.

more convincing

Highlights the power to persuade, differing by emphasizing the effect on an audience.

more readily accepted

Highlights the ease with which something can be agreed upon, changing the emphasis to acceptance.

more realistic

Emphasizes the alignment with reality, differing by directly referencing real-world conditions.

more conceivable

Stresses the possibility or thinkability of something, altering the focus to mental conception.

more tenable

Emphasizes the defensibility or sustainability of an argument or position, changing the nuance to justification.

more down-to-earth

Implies practicality and absence of pretense, differing by its informal and relatable tone.

FAQs

How can I use "less of a stretch" in a sentence?

You can use "less of a stretch" to indicate that one idea or action is more reasonable or easier to accept than another. For example, "Assuming he simply forgot his keys is "less of a stretch" than thinking he was abducted by aliens."

What's a more formal alternative to "less of a stretch"?

For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "more plausible" or "more tenable". These options convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

Is it correct to say "least of a stretch" instead of "less of a stretch"?

While "least of a stretch" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""less of a stretch"" is the more common and idiomatic way to express that something is more believable or requires less assumption.

When is it appropriate to use "less of a stretch" in writing?

It's suitable when comparing two possibilities and suggesting that one is more easily accepted or requires fewer assumptions. It works well in both casual and moderately formal contexts but may need replacement in very formal or academic settings.