stretch out

USAGE SUMMARY

"stretch out" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the physical act of extending a body or limb or the process of lengthening something. For example: She stretched out her arm to reach the top shelf.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Stretch out a bit.

Britannica

Germany would rather stretch out maturities.

The Economist

Want to really stretch out the speculation?

The New York Times

Stretch out if you like.

The New Yorker

"Plenty of room to stretch out".

The New York Times

Stretch out on the lawn and enjoy the evening!

Columbia University

Stretch out before you get started.

Science Magazine

They don't stretch out in the waist.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Maximize the stretch-out.

Forbes

The stretch-out is key.

Los Angeles Times

The drop and stretch-out will help.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to physical exercise, "stretch out" is best used before or after workouts to improve flexibility and prevent injury. For example, "Make sure to "stretch out" before your run."

Common error

Avoid using "stretch out" when you mean to simply extend the deadline or timeframe for a project; instead, consider using phrases like "extend the deadline" or "prolong the timeline."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stretch out" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, describing the action of extending oneself or something else. It can also function transitively, as shown in Ludwig, when used with an object (e.g., "stretch out your studying").

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "stretch out" is a versatile and commonly used expression with several meanings, primarily relating to extending or lengthening something physically or temporally. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It's most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, and care should be taken to use it appropriately, especially avoiding its misuse in overly abstract contexts where alternatives like "extend" or "prolong" might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extend

This is a more general term for making something longer or wider.

elongate

This emphasizes the action of making something longer.

expand

This suggests an increase in size or scope in all directions.

unfurl

This implies opening something that was previously folded or rolled up.

lie down

This specifically refers to reclining in a horizontal position.

recline

This suggests resting in a comfortable, leaning position.

draw out

This implies lengthening something in time or duration.

protract

This means to prolong or extend something.

spin out

Implies an activity or negotiation is prolonged.

continue

To extend or protract in time.

FAQs

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

You can use "stretch out" to describe extending your body, like "I like to "stretch out" after a long day", or to describe extending something else, like "We need to "stretch out" our resources".

What's the difference between "stretch" and "stretch out"?

"Stretch" is a more general term for lengthening something, while "stretch out" often implies extending something to its full length or extent.

What are some alternative phrases for "stretch out"?

Some alternatives to "stretch out" include "extend", "elongate", or "expand", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "stretch out the truth"?

While you can metaphorically "stretch out" the truth, it's more common to say "exaggerate the truth" or "embellish the truth" when referring to making a statement seem more impressive or interesting than it really is.