What does the phrasal verb “stretch to” mean?

What are the definitions of “stretch to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To make an exception or go beyond what is normally expected or allowed, especially for someone else.

  Couldn’t you stretch a point for a friend?

• 2. To be enough or sufficient for something, especially financially.

  I don’t really think my salary will stretch to a designer suit.

• 3. To make something larger or looser by pulling it

  I’ll have to get these shoes stretched.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stretch to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stretch to is to make something larger or looser by pulling it. For example, it can mean making a piece of clothing or a shoe fit better by stretching it out.

What are the different verb forms of “stretch to”?

Root Verb	stretch to
Third Person Singular Present	stretches to
Present Participle	stretching to
Simple Past	stretched to
Past Participle	stretched to

Example

I need to stretch to my new shoes before wearing them all day.

Example

She stretches to her yoga mat every morning.

Example

He is stretching to the rubber band to see how far it can go.

Example

Yesterday, they stretched to the fabric to make it fit the frame.

Example

The elastic band was stretched to its limit.

What kind of phrasal verb is “stretch to”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“stretch to” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She stretched to the fabric to make it fit.

Example

He stretched his budget to afford the new car.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“stretch to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She stretched to the fabric to make it fit.

Example

He stretched his budget to afford the new car.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stretch to”?

Stretch to a point

To make an exception or go beyond what is normally expected or allowed, especially for someone else.

Example

She decided to stretch to a point and let her friend borrow the car for the weekend.

Stretch to something

To be enough or sufficient for something, especially financially.

Example

I'm not sure if my budget will stretch to a new computer this month.

Stretch to fit

To make something larger or looser by pulling it so that it fits better.

Example

The tailor stretched the shirt to fit him more comfortably.

Good things to know

Does “stretch to” have an informal or formal tone?

Stretch to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal contexts, such as discussing financial matters or making exceptions in professional situations.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “stretch to”?

Synonyms

• extend
• expand
• enlarge
• lengthen
• widen
• loosen
• accommodate
• suffice
• cover

Antonyms

• contract
• shrink
• narrow
• shorten
• tighten
• restrict
• limit
• constrain