stretched thin

USAGE SUMMARY

"stretched thin" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can either be used to describe a person's physical and mental capacity, or to describe a resource that has been depleted. For example, "As the deadline approached, Alex felt his resources being stretched thin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We are stretched thin".

The New York Times

Army units were stretched thin.

The Washington Post

Lines of accountability are stretched thin.

The Economist

And resources were stretched thin.

The New York Times

Mr. Cabo's investment is stretched thin.

The New York Times

Indeed, our ground forces are stretched thin.

The New York Times

The cops will be stretched thin.

The Guardian

The company's resources were stretched thin, Ms. Johnson said.

The New York Times

But hectic loan growth means both are stretched thin.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Point is, as moms know, at times you get stretched thin...very thin!

Huffington Post

Ms. Stanley's own resources are stretched thin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stretched thin", consider specifying what is being stretched, such as resources, staff, or budget, to provide a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

While "stretched thin" is a common idiom, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "overextended" or "overburdened" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stretched thin" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying nouns like resources, staff, or budgets. It describes a state of being overextended or depleted, often indicating a lack of sufficient capacity to meet demands. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is correct and used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Huffington Post

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stretched thin" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a state of being overextended or depleted. As Ludwig AI states, it can refer to resources, individuals, or systems. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to highlight limitations or concerns. While versatile, it's advisable to use it judiciously and consider synonyms to enhance writing clarity and engagement. The phrase enjoys high source quality and expert ratings, confirming its widespread acceptance and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overextended

Focuses on exceeding limits in terms of responsibilities or resources.

overburdened

Emphasizes the weight of responsibilities and the feeling of being overwhelmed.

at full capacity

Highlights reaching the maximum limit of what can be handled.

spread too far

Suggests a distribution of resources or attention that is too wide to be effective.

spread out

Indicates a lack of density or concentration, often implying inefficiency.

thin on the ground

This is an idiom that describes that resources or personnel is few in a specific place.

running on fumes

Suggests operating with minimal resources, often implying exhaustion.

pushed to the limit

Focuses on reaching the extreme boundary of what is possible or tolerable.

tapped out

Emphasizes the depletion of resources and the inability to continue.

under pressure

Focuses on experiencing significant stress due to high demands.

FAQs

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

You can use "stretched thin" to describe resources, people, or systems that are overburdened or lack sufficient capacity. For example, "The department's resources are "stretched thin" due to budget cuts."

What can I say instead of "stretched thin"?

You can use alternatives like "overextended", "overburdened", or "at full capacity" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "resources are stretched thin" or "resources are thinly stretched"?

"Resources are "stretched thin"" is the more common and natural-sounding phrasing. "Resources are thinly stretched" is less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "stretched thin" and "spread too far"?

"Stretched thin" implies a lack of capacity or resources to meet demands, while "spread too far" suggests that resources are distributed too widely, reducing their effectiveness in any one area.