Abstract: A generally flexible strain gage comprising a strain sensing element, and a generally flexible substrate supporting the strain sensing element. The strain sensing element is made of single crystal or polycrystalline semiconducting material. The invention also includes a method for forming a generally flexible strain gage comprising the step of selecting a wafer having a portion of a base material and portion of a single crystal or polycrystalline semiconducting material located thereon. The method further comprises the steps of etching a strain sensing element out of the semiconducting material and forming a generally flexible substrate onto said sensing element.