over a long stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over a long stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a duration of time or distance that is extended or prolonged. Example: "The project was successful over a long stretch, demonstrating consistent growth and improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

You can see patterns unfolding that represent pretty major changes over a long stretch of time.

Yale University

Still, over a long stretch of time, some did pose questions.

The New York Times

The 1981-95 San Francisco 49ers also won five Super Bowls over a long stretch of consistent dominance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The plane heads south over a long stretch of beach, eventually flying low over the beautiful Bodie Island Lighthouse.

The New York Times - Travel

He expected to face Kasparov's formidable powers and resolved to turn them back even if it took perfect defense over a long stretch of moves.

The New York Times - Style

"I don't recall anyone ever saying, 'What do you mean by that, Alan?' " Still, over a long stretch of time, some did pose questions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"This game is not over by a long stretch.

The Guardian - Sport

AN English journalist on his first dining visit to Harry Cipriani in January said that he had never seen such a scene of ceremonial backslapping, bearhugging and what he described as table hanging, whereby a person stops to say hello, and looms over the table for a long stretch of time.

The New York Times

It is not yet known how the millipedes maintain such a tight boundary over such a long stretch.

The New York Times - Science

Yet this round is unusual and historic, the likes of which has never observed over such a long stretch at this time of year.

The Washington Post

The rest may not be quite so emotionally involving which is problematic over such a long stretch, but it always offers an intriguing double-take on theatre itself as well as the theatre of war where individual will and the political demands of Rome are often at odds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "over a long stretch", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to time or distance. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid substituting "over" with prepositions like "in" or "during" when describing a physical distance. "Over" correctly conveys the idea of traversing or extending across a space.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over a long stretch" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It indicates the extent or duration to which an action, condition, or entity extends. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "over a long stretch" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote extended durations or distances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, supported by examples from diverse sources like The New York Times and academic institutions. While applicable across various contexts, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding whether time or space is being referenced. Related phrases, like "during an extensive period", offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, and choosing the right one depends on the nuances you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a prolonged time

A simpler, more direct way to express an extended duration.

during an extensive period

Emphasizes the duration of time more explicitly.

throughout a considerable distance

Highlights the length or extent of space covered.

over a drawn-out period

Suggests a process that unfolds slowly and gradually.

across a protracted duration

Uses more formal vocabulary to indicate a lengthy time frame.

through an extended phase

Indicates a specific stage or segment that lasts for a while.

spanning a significant distance

Focuses on the idea of covering or encompassing a large area.

during a lengthy interval

Highlights the period between two points in time.

across an extended range

Highlights range as in variety.

across a sizeable expanse

Emphasizes the magnitude or size of the space involved.

FAQs

How can I use "over a long stretch" in a sentence?

You can use "over a long stretch" to describe a period of time, as in "The company maintained consistent profits over a long stretch", or a distance, as in "The road extends over a long stretch of desert".

What are some alternatives to "over a long stretch"?

Some alternatives include "during an extensive period", "for a prolonged time", or "throughout a considerable distance", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "over a long stretch of time" or "during a long stretch of time"?

"Over a long stretch of time" is generally preferred as it emphasizes the continuous nature of the duration. "During a long stretch of time" is also acceptable, but may imply a more segmented or less continuous period.

What's the difference between "over a long stretch" and "across a wide area"?

"Over a long stretch" usually implies a linear or temporal dimension, whereas "across a wide area" emphasizes a two-dimensional extent. You might say something extends "over a long stretch of road", but covers "across a wide area of farmland".