very stretched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very stretched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extended or pulled tight, often referring to physical objects or metaphorically to situations or concepts. Example: "The rubber band was very stretched after being used to hold the stack of papers together for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"The regime's logistics are very stretched.

The Guardian

33 mins The game is very stretched at the moment.

The Guardian - Sport

"My finances are very stretched with caring for my family.

The Guardian

They're going to be very small in height and very stretched out.

The New York Times

Hurd conceded that the visit comes at a time when the police are "very stretched".

The Guardian

"We are very stretched at the moment," a hospital official said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

I find it very stretching.

The Guardian

In March, when the pay deal was announced, Dennis Holt, the bank's chairman, said Booker's pay last year was set "against very stretching targets".

The Guardian - Business

But the very stretching of space can cause the same effect.

BBC

Council leader John Thomas said he agreed it would be "very stretching and very difficult" to meet the savings targets.

BBC

Yesterday I gave him a summons for speeding on this very stretch of road".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like budgets or resources, use "very stretched" to effectively convey a state of scarcity or over-allocation.

Common error

Avoid using "very stretched" in highly informal settings where simpler, more colloquial terms like "maxed out" or "spread thin" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very stretched" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a state of being extended, strained, or under pressure. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing budgets, resources, and physical objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science & Research

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very stretched" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that effectively conveys a state of strain or overextension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard English grammar. Its usage is prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral register. When employing this phrase, consider the nuance you wish to impart, as alternatives like "extremely strained" or "severely taxed" may be more appropriate depending on the intended emphasis. Be mindful not to overuse it in informal settings where simpler expressions might fit better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely strained

Emphasizes the high degree of strain, intensifying the original meaning.

severely taxed

Highlights the burden and pressure involved, particularly in resource contexts.

overextended

Focuses on the concept of being stretched beyond a manageable or sustainable limit.

spread too thin

Implies a lack of focus and resources due to excessive distribution.

at full capacity

Suggests operating at the maximum limit of capability or resources.

under immense pressure

Highlights the significant stress and demands being experienced.

pushed to the limit

Indicates reaching the extreme boundary of endurance or performance.

stretched to breaking point

Conveys the precarious state of being near collapse or failure due to excessive strain.

running on fumes

Suggests operating with minimal resources, close to depletion.

maxed out

Informal term for reaching the absolute limit.

FAQs

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

You can use "very stretched" to describe resources, budgets, or even physical objects under strain. For example, "The hospital's resources are "very stretched" due to the pandemic".

What are some alternatives to "very stretched"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "extremely strained", "overextended", or "spread too thin".

Is it more appropriate to use "very stretched" or "severely strained"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "severely strained" often implies a more critical or precarious situation than "very stretched".

Can "very stretched" be used to describe emotional states?

While primarily used for tangible resources or systems, "very stretched" can metaphorically describe emotional or mental states under duress, although it's less common than terms like "highly stressed" or "overwhelmed".