伸ばす

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 伸ばす is read as のばす and is a transitive verb for extending length or time or further developing an ability or strength.
• Basic usage: Extending time appears in 時間を伸ばす, while developing a strength appears in 得意な分野を伸ばす.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The changed target takes を
  • The time, ability, or other thing being extended or developed is marked with を.
• Difference from 伸びる
  • 伸びる is intransitive and describes something lengthening or improving; 伸ばす is transitive and presents someone causing that change.