stretch of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"stretch of time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a period of days, weeks, or months. For example, "We've been friends for a long stretch of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Seven years — a long stretch of time, especially incarcerated.

The New York Times

For some synaptic stretch of time — a millisecond?

The New Yorker

There's something very satisfying about the way this story covers a long stretch of time.

The New Yorker

Why should a politician think about a longer stretch of time?

Independent

This change is more notable when viewed across a longer stretch of time.

The New Yorker

There was a whole stretch of time where I didn't really apply myself a lot.

The Guardian

A Presidential transition can be a disconcerting stretch of time, even in quieter days than these.

The New Yorker

That is something you do over an enormous stretch of time, over years.

The New York Times

The writing session was followed, for a long stretch of time, by a day job with the postal service.

The New Yorker

Mr. Juliano is already imagining future exhibitions, and anticipates dedicating a generous stretch of time to each new show.

The New York Times

It is evident that the words were composed with great toil, over a vast stretch of time.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stretch of time" to emphasize the continuous or unbroken nature of a period, especially when referring to effort, activity, or a state of being. For example, use "stretch of time" to describe the period when someone continuously worked on a project.

Common error

Avoid using "stretch of time" when referring to brief or intermittent periods. The phrase implies a significant and often uninterrupted duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stretch of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes a duration or period, often implying continuity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stretch of time" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a duration or period, often emphasizing continuity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media sources. It is important to use "stretch of time" when you want to highlight a significant and often uninterrupted duration, rather than brief or intermittent periods. Consider alternative phrases such as "period of time", "duration", or "time span" for slightly different connotations. Overall, this phrase is a versatile and reliable way to express the length of an activity or state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

period of time

More generic; refers to any duration, lacking the 'continuous' implication of "stretch".

duration

A shorter, more formal term specifying the length of time something lasts.

time frame

Implies a defined or limited period, often in planning or scheduling contexts.

time span

Emphasizes the extent of time covered, often in a historical or broad context.

spell of time

Suggests a shorter, possibly intermittent duration, often for activities or conditions.

course of time

Highlights the natural progression or unfolding of events over a period.

interval

Refers to a specific, measured gap between two points in time.

season

Indicates a notable, considerable extent of time.

era

A very large and significant period of time, referring to a distinctive historical segment.

while

Informal term denoting an indefinite period of time. Also less specific than "stretch of time".

FAQs

What does "stretch of time" mean?

"Stretch of time" refers to a continuous or significant period. It is often used to emphasize the length or duration of an activity or state.

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

You can use "stretch of time" to describe a long duration, like "The project required a long "considerable amount of time"" or "I hadn't seen my family for a considerable "extended period"".

What are some alternatives to "stretch of time"?

Alternatives include "period of time", "duration", or "time span", depending on the specific context.

Is "stretch of time" formal or informal?

"Stretch of time" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.