stretch across

USAGE SUMMARY

"stretch across" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually means "extend or reach in a line from one side or end to the other." For example, "The bridge stretched across the wide river."

✓ Grammatically correct

Building a den

Wine bars spanning genres

Cases involving legal complexities

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Find a place to hang your blankets so they stretch across like a roof.

WikiHow

Some wine bars stretch across genres.

The New York Times - Travel

Some cases stretch across continents.

The New York Times

Similarly, solutions stretch across different fields.

Stanford University

The same problems stretch across borders.

The Guardian

Feel the stretch across your chest and torso.

Harvard University

In Erbil, construction cranes stretch across the horizon.

The New Yorker

The Rajapakse dynasty's tentacles stretch across every Sri Lankan bureaucracy.

The Guardian

In 40 years, the internet might stretch across celestial boundaries.

The Guardian - Tech

Guilt by association can stretch across many centuries.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

First, a gene can stretch across one or more breakpoints, dividing the gene into subsegments.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stretch across" to vividly describe how something spans a physical space or connects different elements, creating a sense of breadth and reach.

Common error

While "stretch across" is generally versatile, avoid using it in contexts where a more specific verb like "span", "extend", or "cover" would provide greater clarity or precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stretch across" functions as a phrasal verb, primarily used to describe the act of extending or spanning a distance or area. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and usable status. This is exemplified in sentences such as "The bridge stretches across the river" or "The influence stretches across many sectors".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science & Research

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stretch across" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that describes the act of extending or spanning an area, either physically or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its neutral register and common occurrence in news, academic, and general contexts make it versatile for various forms of communication. While alternatives like "span over" or "extend over" exist, the choice depends on the precise nuance you wish to convey. The phrase effectively communicates reach and scope, provided it is used in appropriate contexts avoiding overly literal applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

span over

Indicates covering a distance or area, similar to "stretch across" but emphasizing the act of spanning.

extend over

Similar to "stretch across", but highlights the act of reaching or prolonging over a specific area.

reach across

Focuses on the ability to connect or affect something on the other side, slightly different from simply extending.

go across

Indicates movement from one side to another, suggesting a path or journey.

spread over

Suggests a gradual expansion or distribution across an area, rather than a linear extension.

cover the distance

Emphasizes the completion of spanning a gap or space.

traverse the gap

Implies overcoming an obstacle or difficulty in extending from one point to another.

bridge the divide

Metaphorically suggests connecting two separate entities or ideas.

cross over

Indicates a transition or movement from one state or location to another.

lie across

Indicates a static position covering a space, rather than an active extension.

FAQs

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

You can use "stretch across" to describe something extending from one point to another, like "The bridge "stretched across" the river" or "The problem "stretches across" several departments".

What are some alternatives to "stretch across"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "extend over", "span over", or "reach across" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "stretch over" instead of "stretch across"?

While "stretch over" can sometimes be used interchangeably with "stretch across", the latter often implies a more direct, linear connection from one side to another. "Stretch over" may suggest a more general covering of an area.

What does "stretch across" imply in a figurative sense?

Figuratively, "stretch across" can indicate that something has a broad impact or influence, affecting many different areas or groups, similar to how something physically extends over a wide space.