stretch credulity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stretch credulity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is difficult to believe or seems implausible. Example: "The story he told about winning the lottery twice in one week really stretches credulity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Events stretch credulity.

The New York Times - Books

Others had alien skeletons with bodily projections and elongations that stretch credulity.

The Guardian

Several scenes stretch credulity, but it's a taut procedural with bravura moments.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To insinuate otherwise is to stretch credulity past the breaking point.

The New York Times

The drug-saturated rock star Tommy Hanson is a cartoon cut-out and his adventures stretch credulity to the limits.

The Guardian - Books

Rarely does it stretch credulity, although some of Prescott's ideas call for renovating and booby-trapping buildings at record speed.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

That stretches credulity.

The New York Times

That stretches credulity for most aviation experts.

The Washington Post

Dan Farber again stretches credulity while supporting the profiteers.

University of California, Berkeley

In a movie, that reality would have stretched credulity.

The New Yorker

The idea of Corbyn winning Tory votes stretches credulity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, use "stretch credulity" to describe plot points that may require the reader to suspend disbelief.

Common error

While "stretch credulity" is acceptable in many contexts, be mindful of using it too frequently in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise language to convey skepticism or disbelief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stretch credulity" functions as a verb phrase where 'stretch' acts as the main verb and 'credulity' is the object. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, indicating its role in describing the act of testing or exceeding believability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stretch credulity" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something is difficult to believe. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its validity and suggests it functions primarily to express skepticism or doubt, as it shows its usage in numerous news sources and academic contexts. Consider alternative phrases such as "strain belief" or "challenge plausibility" for a more formal tone. While "stretch credulity" is versatile, avoid overuse, especially in highly formal contexts. Overall, this expression is a useful tool for conveying disbelief in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strain belief

Focuses on the act of pushing belief to its limit.

test the limits of belief

Highlights the challenge to one's capacity to believe.

challenge plausibility

Emphasizes questioning whether something is likely or believable.

defy belief

Indicates something is so extraordinary it's hard to accept.

tax the imagination

Suggests something is so outlandish it requires a lot of imagination to accept.

seem improbable

Indicates a low probability of being true or realistic.

beggar belief

Expresses that something is too astonishing or extreme to be believed.

seem far-fetched

Suggests something is unlikely and difficult to connect to reality.

invite skepticism

Highlights that something causes doubt or disbelief.

push the boundaries of believability

Focuses on exceeding what is normally considered believable.

FAQs

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

You can use "stretch credulity" to indicate that something is difficult to believe. For example: "His explanation for the missing money really "stretches credulity"".

What's a more formal way to say "stretch credulity"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "challenge plausibility" or "strain belief" which convey a similar meaning but with increased formality.

Is it correct to say "stretches credulity"?

Yes, it is correct to say "stretches credulity". The verb "stretch" agrees with a singular subject (e.g., "That story stretches credulity"). "Stretch credulity" is appropriate when the subject is plural or when using the infinitive form.

What does it mean when something "stretches credulity to the limit"?

When something ""stretches credulity" to the limit", it means that it is barely believable and tests the boundaries of what someone is willing to accept as true or possible.