was stretched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was stretched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been extended or pulled tight, often referring to physical objects or time periods. Example: "The rubber band was stretched to its limit before it snapped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He was stretched out.

The New York Times - Style

He was stretched and his limb overexposed.

Independent

He was stretched out on the windowsill.

The New Yorker

He was stretched out in the dirt.

The New Yorker

It's the only time he was stretched.

The Guardian - Sport

Everything about him was stretched, angled, "placed" — like a ballerina.

The New Yorker

The par 3 was stretched to 243 yards.

The New York Times - Sports

The wheelbase was stretched a foot, to 131 inches.

The New York Times

The company's financial position was stretched by dire trading.

The Guardian - Business

"I was stretched out like I'm being crucified".

The Guardian

Without that income, she was stretched too thin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was stretched" to describe resources, consider specifying the type of resource (e.g., budget, staff, time) for clarity. For example, 'The budget was stretched thin' provides more context than just 'The budget was stretched'.

Common error

Avoid using "was stretched" vaguely. Ensure the reader understands what is being stretched and the implications. For instance, instead of saying 'The project was stretched', specify 'The project timeline was stretched due to unforeseen delays' to provide clearer information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was stretched" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being stretched. This means something or someone had force applied that caused them to extend in length or dimension. As per Ludwig AI, this is a standard and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was stretched" is a versatile and frequently used phrase, serving to describe a state of extension, strain, or overuse. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. The phrase is commonly found in news, scientific writing, and general contexts. When using "was stretched", clarity is key; specifying what is being stretched enhances understanding. Alternative phrases like "was extended" or "was strained" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. Overall, "was stretched" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolbox, contributing to clear and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was extended

A more direct synonym, simply stating the action of extending occurred.

had been extended

Focuses on the completion of the action of extending something.

was elongated

Focuses on the change in length.

had been strained

Emphasizes the pressure or stress endured during the extension.

had been elongated

Highlights the increase in length.

was strained

Highlights the stress or pressure causing the extension.

was taxed

Indicates being burdened or put under pressure, similar to being stretched thin.

was expanded

Focuses on growth or increase in scope or size.

was inflated

Implies an exaggerated or overstated state, akin to stretching the truth.

was maxed out

Suggests reaching a limit or maximum capacity, implying a stretch to that point.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was stretched" indicates that something has been extended, strained, or used to its limit. For example, "The deadline "was stretched" due to unexpected delays", or "The team "was stretched" thin to cover all the tasks".

What are some alternatives to "was stretched"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was extended", "was strained", or "was elongated". If you mean resources were limited, consider "was taxed" or "was overextended".

Is it correct to say "was stretched too far"?

Yes, "was stretched too far" is grammatically correct. It implies that something was extended beyond a reasonable or safe limit. For example, "His credibility "was stretched too far" when he made those outrageous claims".

What's the difference between "was stretched" and "became stretched"?

"Was stretched" indicates a completed action or a state that resulted from a past action. "Became stretched" suggests a process of becoming stretched over time. For example, "The rubber band "was stretched"" describes its state, while "The rubber band "became stretched"" describes the action of it being stretched.