Stretch out meaning in English
Learn how to use Stretch out correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
to stretch out (on the bed): to extend oneself, to spread out (on the bed)
(the desert) stretches out (for kilometres): (the desert) expands over, covers, spreads out for (kilometres)
Examples
- "Unfortunately, all I can see is a huge plain of ice and snow which stretches out for miles."
Exercise 1
Candy describes a plain of ice and snow which "stretches out for miles".
From the list below, select the sentences which use the phrasal verb "to stretch out" correctly.
From the list below, select the sentences which use the phrasal verb "to stretch out" correctly.
Candy describes a plain of ice and snow which "stretches out for miles".
From the list below, select the sentences which use the phrasal verb "to stretch out" correctly.
From the list below, select the sentences which use the phrasal verb "to stretch out" correctly.
"To stretch out (on the sofa)" is to lie down and extend the body to its full length, probably to relax or perhaps to sleep. The phrasal verb "to stretch out" uses the verb "to stretch" in its primary sense: physically extending the body (or another object). In this broadcast, Candy says that all she can see is a plain of snow and ice which "stretches out for miles". She means that this plain (Lake Baikal) extends for miles and miles, or for a considerable distance.
This use of the phrasal verb "to stretch out" is correct, and uses it the same way as Candy uses it in the broadcast. If the "sand stretches out for kilometers" then the sand extends outward for kilometers and kilometers. Another way to express this same idea is to say that: In every direction, all we could see was sand.
"Feelings" cannot be "stretched out". Although the verb "to stretch" can be used figuratively (He's stretching my patience to the limits), it cannot be used in this way.
This sentence doesn't use the phrasal verb "to stretch out" correctly. A car can't be stretched out. To express that a car was pulled by another, we use the verb "to tow".
This use of the phrasal verb "to stretch out" is correct. To "stretch (clothes) out" is to pull them in such a way that they become deformed or lose their original shape. This use of the expression is different from Candy's use of it in the broadcast, however it is one of the meanings of the expression "to stretch (something) out".
Exercise 2
'Oklahoma is part of a region called 'Tornado Alley', which stretches from West Texas to North Dakota.'
Select all of the sentences below which use the verb 'to stretch' correctly.
There may be more than one!
Select all of the sentences below which use the verb 'to stretch' correctly.
There may be more than one!
'Oklahoma is part of a region called 'Tornado Alley', which stretches from West Texas to North Dakota.'
Select all of the sentences below which use the verb 'to stretch' correctly.
There may be more than one!
Select all of the sentences below which use the verb 'to stretch' correctly.
There may be more than one!
This sentence uses the verb to 'stretch' correctly. The expression to 'stretch one's muscles' refers to warming the muscles up by physically extending the body (usually to avoid injury). The verb 'to stretch' often describes the physical extension of the body. This use of the verb 'to stretch' is different from Candy's use of the term in the broadcast.
This is an incorrect choice. We cannot use the term 'to stretch' when referring to being able to 'access' or 'touch' something. A better choice here would be 'I can't reach the salt'.
This sentence uses the verb to 'stretch' correctly. The expression 'to stretch (to 100,000 euros)' is often used when negotiating the price of something, and refers to extending your financial limit. Example: I only want to pay 600 euros for a new car, but I can stretch to 700 euros if necessary. This use of the verb 'to stretch' is different from Candy's use of it in the broadcast.
This sentence uses the verb to 'stretch' correctly, in the same way that Candy uses the verb in the broadcast. In this example, the term refers to the extension of the Christmas lights from one point to another, across the street. When Candy tells Brent and Moira that Tornado Alley 'stretches from West Texas to North Dakota' she means that it 'covers' or 'extends across' the area between 'West Texas and North Dakota'. The verb 'to stretch' can be used to describe someone or something which 'covers' or spans a particular area or distance.
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