stretch of life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stretch of life" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period or phase in someone's life, often highlighting experiences or events that define that time. Example: "During that stretch of life, I learned valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Twenty-five years is a long stretch of life.

The New York Times

It may be true that the lonelier the stretch of life, the more intensely experienced the novels read in that stretch.

The Guardian - Books

★ Capricorn 22 Dec-19 Jan You're over the first hump in 2010's road (a Saturn-Pluto square) and are promised an even stretch of life's highway for the next month or two.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of the many HIV-stricken subjects she photographed in their last stretch of life, Cookie Mueller was the most famous.

Huffington Post

As I look back I see how God's hand guided me; most comforting is the knowledge that He will not forsake me during this last stretch of life as I am 'nearing home.'.

Huffington Post

Among this year's class is Pavel Bure, my favorite player during the endlessly ruminated-upon ten-to-15-years-old stretch of life, during the first half of the 90s.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

However, sometimes we would turn our attention to relatively long stretches of life, and then, prizing continuity, we would phase in new and worthwhile undertakings that build upon, and do not wholly replace, the old.

SEP

She will never leave you, even if you lead long stretches of life from your ego.

Huffington Post

— December 22 & 29 , 1997From "How Was It, Really?" Increasingly, Ed Franklin had trouble remembering how it had actually been in the broad middle stretch of his life when he was living with his first wife and helping her, however distractedly, raise their children.

The New Yorker

— December 22 & 29 , 1997________ From "How Was It, Really?" Increasingly, Ed Franklin had trouble remembering how it had actually been in the broad middle stretch of his life when he was living with his first wife and helping her, however distractedly, raise their children.

The New Yorker

This is what I want to do with the last stretch of my life".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stretch of life" when referring to a period characterized by specific events or circumstances that significantly impact an individual's development or experiences. For example, use it to describe the formative years of childhood or a challenging period of career growth.

Common error

Avoid using "stretch of life" as a generic substitute for "period" or "time". This phrase is most effective when it conveys a sense of a prolonged or impactful duration within someone's life. Instead of saying "During that stretch, I went to school," try "During that time, I went to school."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stretch of life" functions primarily as a noun phrase, designating a specific duration or segment within a person's lifetime. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and used to describe a period marked by certain experiences or developments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stretch of life" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a specific period or phase in a person's life, often marked by significant experiences. As Ludwig indicates, its usage is more common in news and media contexts, and its purpose is to delineate and characterize these periods. While the frequency is uncommon, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of duration and impact, making it a valuable choice in descriptive writing. Remember to use it judiciously and not as a generic substitute for simpler terms like "time" or "period". Alternatives such as "phase of life" or "period of existence" can be useful depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

phase of life

Highlights a distinct stage or period within a person's life.

time of life

Emphasizes a specific moment or era in a person's journey.

chapter of life

Implies a significant and self-contained part of one's life story.

period of existence

Focuses on the duration of someone's being, emphasizing the time aspect.

segment of life

Highlights a distinct and definable part of one's life course.

span of existence

Focuses on the entirety of one's life, highlighting its duration.

portion of life

Indicates a specific segment or share of one's overall life experience.

era of life

Refers to a time characterized by particular circumstances or qualities.

stage of being

Emphasizes the development and progression through different phases.

course of existence

Captures the entire path and progression throughout one's life.

FAQs

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

You can use "stretch of life" to describe a specific period or phase in someone's life. For example: "That "stretch of life" was marked by significant personal growth and challenges."

What's a good alternative to "stretch of life"?

Alternatives include "phase of life", "period of existence", or "time of life" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "stretch of life" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "stretch of life" might be more suitable for narrative or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "period of existence" for a more neutral tone.

What distinguishes "stretch of life" from "slice of life"?

"Stretch of life" refers to a longer duration or period, whereas "slice of life" usually denotes a brief, representative moment or experience.