stretch of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stretch of difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period or phase characterized by challenges or hardships. Example: "During the stretch of difficulty, the team learned to adapt and support each other more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gaborik had a particular stretch of difficulty, twice making weak touch passes that short-circuited Rangers rushes and resulted in Washington counterattacks.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The path is well signposted, and is divided into 30km stretches of varying difficulty: most challenging is the hike through the Serra de Monchique, the region's highest point.

Independent

(The ride was made one degree of difficulty greater by stretches of gravelly or chewed-up pavement, and the presence of a handful of road construction crews. On the other hand, the construction mitigated the car traffic a bit).

The New York Times

The Pi Foundation wanted a certain degree of difficulty so that users would have to stretch themselves to explore and figure stuff out.

TechCrunch

The loss of force-producing myocytes may underlie contractile dysfunction whereas the accumulation of interstitial collagen might produce difficulties with passive stretch of myocardium during diastole thereby compromising ventricular relaxation in DCM [ 31, 33].

Cardiovascular Diabetology

The three most common obstacles reported were a lack of training in how to minimise tears and keep the perineum intact, work overload such that there was insufficient time to wait for the perineum to stretch, and the difficulty of changing traditional practices, with the first two reported more frequently by obstetricians (Table  3).

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Degree of difficulty: 8.5.

The New York Times - Sports

The degree of difficulty simplified the challenge.

Independent

We have lost the art of difficulty.

Independent

Such questions vary in degree of difficulty.

SEP

That had a level of difficulty, too.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stretch of difficulty", provide specific context about the nature and duration of the challenges to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "stretch of difficulty" without specifying the type or source of the difficulty. Be precise about whether it's financial, emotional, technical, or otherwise to provide a clearer understanding to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stretch of difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes a period or phase characterized by challenges or hardships. As Ludwig indicates, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stretch of difficulty" is a grammatically sound and neutrally formal expression used to describe a period marked by challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts. While not exceedingly frequent, it effectively communicates the presence and nature of a challenging phase, and can often be replaced by alternatives like "period of hardship" or "difficult phase" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

period of hardship

Focuses on the hardship aspect, emphasizing the negative conditions experienced.

time of adversity

Highlights the challenging and unfavorable circumstances faced.

difficult phase

Emphasizes a specific period marked by problems or obstacles.

troubled times

Implies a broader period of general problems or unrest.

challenging phase

Highlights the difficulty as a test of one's abilities.

trying period

Indicates a period that tests one's endurance and patience.

tough spell

Suggests a relatively short period of difficulty or misfortune.

hard times

Refers to a general state of economic or personal hardship.

problematic interval

Highlights an interval marked by problems and obstacles.

rough patch

Suggests a minor or temporary period of difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "stretch of difficulty" to describe a period marked by challenges. For example: "The company experienced a long "stretch of difficulty" due to the economic recession."

What phrases are similar to "stretch of difficulty"?

Similar phrases include "period of hardship", "time of adversity", or "difficult phase". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "stretch of difficulty" formal or informal?

"Stretch of difficulty" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication. It maintains a neutral level of formality.

What is the difference between "stretch of difficulty" and "rough patch"?

While both describe challenging periods, ""stretch of difficulty"" suggests a more prolonged and significant period of challenges, whereas "rough patch" implies a shorter, less severe phase.