to be stretched too thin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be stretched too thin" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone has taken on too many responsibilities or tasks, leading to a lack of focus or effectiveness. Example: "With three jobs and a family to care for, I feel like I'm being stretched too thin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And with wildfires also raging in the lower 48, resources may be stretched too thin to combat fires in Alaska and elsewhere.

The Washington Post

The partnership is expanding into too many plants, according to Michael Mariotte, the executive director, and may be stretched too thin.

The New York Times

Jacob Dubé, the Eye's editor-in-chief, is worried the paper's reporters will be stretched too thin with a reduced budget next year to be able to invest the time that sensitive stories like that one require.

Vice

At Xero, we spend a lot of time working to ensure that our team is communicating well and supporting people who might be stretched too thin.

Forbes

At a Board of Education meeting yesterday, Sandra E. Lerner, the board member from the Bronx, questioned whether the consulting school districts would be stretched too thin, shortchanging their own schools, by their new obligation to help others.

The New York Times

If they get too much business too soon, they could be stretched too thin and provide poor service.

Forbes

HP has already said his post will not be filled, which raises the legitimate question of whether Fiorina will be stretched too thin.

Forbes

Chances are, the companies and organizations you want to work with (and the people you want to work for) are stretched too thin to sift through an inbox full of emails from untested candidates.

Huffington Post

Unfortunately, it's a very resource-intense program, in that the accelerator's partners can only devote time to so many startups without being stretched too thin.

TechCrunch

Thousands of nurses at three big hospital systems in New York City have threatened to strike, saying they are stretched too thin to fully support patients and their families.

The New York Times

It is also not always wise to implement: situations exist in which teachers are stretched too thin to be expected to find ways to improve student outcomes no matter the strength of incentives.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to be stretched too thin", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being stretched, whether it's resources, time, or personnel. For example: "The department is stretched too thin to handle the increased workload."

Common error

Avoid using "to be stretched too thin" when referring to physical stretching or elongation. This phrase is primarily used metaphorically to describe being overburdened or lacking resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be stretched too thin" functions as a predicative expression, often describing the state of a person, team, or organization lacking sufficient resources or capacity to effectively manage their responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Academia

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be stretched too thin" is a grammatically sound and widely understandable way to describe a state of being overburdened or lacking sufficient resources. While Ludwig AI confirm that is grammatically correct, its usage is versatile, fitting into news reports, business communications and academic discourse. When using this phrase, remember that it serves to highlight a disparity between demands and available capabilities, and ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being stretched. Because there aren't any example, its usage patterns are hard to define.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be overextended

Focuses on exceeding one's capacity, whether in time, resources, or energy.

to be spread too thin

Emphasizes the dilution of resources or efforts across multiple areas.

to be overburdened

Highlights the heavy burden or load that one is carrying.

to be overwhelmed

Suggests a feeling of being unable to cope with the amount of tasks or responsibilities.

to be maxed out

Indicates reaching the limit of one's capacity or resources.

to have too much on one's plate

An idiomatic expression for having too many responsibilities.

to be at the breaking point

Suggests reaching the limit of endurance or ability to cope.

to be running on fumes

Implies continuing to operate despite being depleted of energy or resources.

to be thinly staffed

Focuses on the lack of personnel to adequately handle the workload.

to be resource-constrained

Highlights the limitations in available resources.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to be stretched too thin"?

You can use alternatives like "to be overextended", "to be spread too thin", or "to be overburdened" depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone says they are "to be stretched too thin"?

It means that they have too many responsibilities or not enough resources (time, money, personnel) to handle their current workload effectively.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "to be stretched too thin" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "to be stretched too thin" is appropriate for use in both formal and informal writing contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in some situations.

What is the difference between "to be stretched too thin" and "to be overwhelmed"?

"To be stretched too thin" implies a lack of resources or capacity, while "to be overwhelmed" suggests a feeling of being unable to cope with the situation. While related, the former focuses on limitations and the latter on emotional impact.