stretched apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stretched apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been pulled or extended in different directions, often referring to physical objects or abstract concepts. Example: "The rubber band was stretched apart until it nearly snapped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"They're getting stretched apart, and they snap back," says Weiss. "Sometimes they snap back into their natural shapes".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The street was about the width of a man standing with arms stretched apart, and the buildings were covered in graffiti honoring the P.K.K. Kurdish children played unattended.

The New Yorker

On "Love Castle," "Crystal Silence" and "Señor Mouse," they joined suddenly on rapid written lines and then stretched apart into counterpoint and lead-with-accompaniment sections.

The New York Times - Arts

If they are stretched apart, they snap back; if they get too close, they quickly bounce away.

Science Magazine

"We can see exactly where the Earth is being stretched apart or sheared, enabling us to map which parts of the Earth are under greatest strain," says Richard Walters from Leeds University, a member of the Earthquakes Without Frontiers team.

BBC

Thus, the elastic modulus of the bilayer is primarily determined by how much extra area is exposed to water when the lipid molecules are stretched apart.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The muscles must be soft and elastic enough during delivery so that they can stretch apart and not obstruct the baby's birth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are many great tips, such as the old Norwegian habit of smearing the ends of chopped logs with snow: the morning sun melts it, and come nightfall it will freeze, stretching apart the fibres so that it cleaves with the first blow of your axe.

The Guardian - Books

Intercellular edema stretching apart keratinocytes sometimes resulted in the formation of intraepidermal vesicles.

Archives of Dermatological Research

HD-OCT imaging of these skin conditions clearly showed the presence of spongiosis or intercellular edema that stretches apart keratinocytes and sometimes results in the formation of intraepidermal vesicles.

Archives of Dermatological Research

The text continues with a description of a clavicular fracture in case 35, which receives the following treatment: "Thou shouldst place him prostrate on his back, with something folded between his two shoulder-blades; thou shouldst spread out with his two shoulders in order to stretch apart his collar-bone until that break falls into its place.

Acta Orthopaedica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical tension or separation, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being acted upon and the forces involved. For example, "The elastic was stretched apart by the force of the pull."

Common error

Avoid using "stretched apart" metaphorically without establishing a clear connection to a physical or tangible analogy. Overuse can dilute the impact and create confusing imagery. For example, instead of saying "Their ideas were stretched apart by disagreement", consider "Their ideas diverged due to disagreement."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stretched apart" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in the passive voice or as part of a descriptive clause. It describes the state of being extended or separated due to an applied force, as Ludwig confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stretched apart" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe both physical and abstract separations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It's frequently found in news and media, scientific texts, and wiki articles, indicating a neutral register. When using "stretched apart", ensure clarity in your writing by specifying the object or concept being affected and the nature of the forces involved. Consider alternatives like ""pulled asunder"" or ""separated vastly"" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pulled asunder

Implies a forceful separation, often resulting in damage or destruction.

teared apart

Suggests force with a tearing action.

drawn asunder

Similar to "pulled asunder" but may imply a slower, more deliberate separation.

extended outward

Focuses on the directional movement and the act of making something longer or wider.

splayed open

Suggests a forced or unnatural widening.

expanded afar

Emphasizes the distance and the process of becoming larger.

elongated distantly

Highlights the increased length and the considerable distance achieved.

distended widely

Suggests an internal pressure causing outward expansion.

separated vastly

Indicates a significant degree of separation, often in terms of distance or difference.

spread out

Focuses on the dispersal and covering of a larger area.

FAQs

How can I use "stretched apart" in a sentence?

You can use "stretched apart" to describe a physical object being pulled in opposite directions, such as, "The rubber band was "stretched apart" until it snapped" or metaphorically as in, "The negotiations were "stretched apart" by differing opinions."

What are some alternatives to "stretched apart"?

Alternatives to "stretched apart" include "pulled asunder", "extended outward", or "separated vastly", depending on the context.

Is "stretched apart" grammatically correct?

Yes, "stretched apart" is grammatically correct and is a commonly used phrase to describe something being pulled or extended in different directions.

What's the difference between "stretched apart" and "pulled apart"?

"Stretched apart" implies an elongation or extension before separation, while "pulled apart" suggests a more immediate or forceful separation. The subtle difference lies in the emphasis on the process of stretching versus the act of pulling.