stretch of ocean

USAGE SUMMARY

"stretch of ocean" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English and can be used to refer to a long area of open sea.
Example: We sailed for days, until the horizon revealed a vast stretch of ocean.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The name of his company, North Atlantic Longboards, pays homage to a fierce stretch of ocean.

The New York Times

The authorizations clear the way for surveys across a stretch of ocean between Delaware and Florida.

The Washington Post

The Hustadvika is an infamous stretch of ocean and in storm it's fantastically dramatic.

The Guardian - Travel

Even after the reef idea was broached, finding a nice stretch of ocean floor for the cars was not easy.

The New York Times

This Arctic stretch of ocean north of Norway is estimated to hold up to 650m barrels of oil equivalent.

The Guardian

More than 11,000 barrels of oil flowed into the Yellow Sea, the government said, fouling miles of beaches and a large stretch of ocean.

The New York Times

"I don't know if there is a more famous stretch of ocean than the one between Cuba and Florida," she explained.

The New York Times

At 7am on the Tuesday, I stand on deck 4 as we pass the stretch of ocean where Rebecca went missing.

The Guardian

One such family is here in Mandvi, a fishing town on the Gulf of Kutch, a broad, steel-gray stretch of ocean that runs into the Arabian Sea.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Runners slogged down the final stretch of the course, a flat, but dull, six-mile stretch of Ocean Parkway.

The New Yorker

THE Surfside Restaurant sits like a hearty smile on the Doo-Wop stretch of Ocean Avenue here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific sea route or navigational area, use "stretch of ocean" to provide a clear and evocative image of the location.

Common error

While "stretch" implies length, don't restrict its use solely to linear areas. It can also describe a significant portion of the ocean with varied dimensions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stretch of ocean" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in describing geographical locations or navigational routes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stretch of ocean" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively describes a significant area of the sea. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its frequent appearance in News & Media and Science contexts indicates its versatility across different registers. While alternatives like "expanse of sea" and "tract of sea" offer similar meanings, "stretch of ocean" often implies a continuous or elongated shape. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the area's characteristics and avoids overly literal interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expanse of sea

Focuses on the vastness of the area, changing "ocean" with the synonym "sea".

tract of sea

Replaces "stretch" with "tract", indicating a defined area.

expanse of ocean

Replaces "stretch" with "expanse", highlighting the breadth and openness of the ocean.

area of ocean

Uses a more generic term "area" instead of "stretch", denoting a specific region of the ocean.

section of sea

Substitutes "stretch" with "section" and "ocean" with "sea", implying a division or part of the sea.

expanse of the sea

Replaces "ocean" with the synonym "sea" while retaining the emphasis on vastness.

belt of ocean

Uses "belt" to indicate a long, narrow area of the ocean.

ribbon of sea

Uses "ribbon" suggesting a long, narrow and winding portion of the sea.

portion of ocean

Emphasizes that it is a part of the ocean, not the whole.

waters of the sea

Shifts focus to the water itself rather than the area.

FAQs

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

You can use "stretch of ocean" to describe a significant area of the sea, such as "The ship crossed a vast "stretch of ocean" during its voyage".

What can I say instead of "stretch of ocean"?

You can use alternatives like "expanse of sea", "tract of sea", or "area of ocean" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "stretch of ocean" or "area of ocean"?

Both ""stretch of ocean"" and "area of ocean" are correct, but "stretch of ocean" often implies a longer or more continuous area, while "area of ocean" is more generic.

What's the difference between "stretch of ocean" and "expanse of ocean"?

While both refer to a large area of the sea, ""stretch of ocean"" suggests a continuous and perhaps elongated area, whereas "expanse of ocean" emphasizes the vastness and breadth of the area.