a big tract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big tract" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large area of land or property, often in discussions about real estate or geography. Example: "The developer purchased a big tract of land to build a new housing community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

(The undeveloped development where Michael and his son have been camping out — a big tract of dirt with one house on it — is called Sudden Valley).

The New Yorker

"It is a big tract of land, with wide-open spaces and good natural topography," said Jay Cross, the Jets president.

The New York Times

Noel loaded up the horses, hitched the trailer to the ranch's red Ford pickup and drove to Jackson Demonstration State Forest, a big tract of woodland just north of Mendocino.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"On my way home one night I saw this big tract of land right off the highway exit ramp a mile outside the Norwich city limits," Mr. MacPherson recalled.

The New York Times

A great tract of Earth is on fire.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or sticking out of a large tract of sand.

Huffington Post

"It would be a lot easier to go undetected for a while because we have such big tracts of untrammeled land," Mr. Doyle said.

The New York Times

Al Qudra, an Abu Dhabi-based investment company, said it had bought big tracts of farmland in Morocco and Algeria, and was closing in on purchases in Pakistan, Syria, Vietnam, Thailand, Sudan and India.In November China Agri-Industries, a subsidiary of COFCO, established a partnership with Wilmar, the world's largest trader in palm oil.

The Economist

Big tracts could be turned into parks.

The New York Times

I've heard about developers' purchasing big tracts to build hundreds of new homes.

The New York Times

Generals award themselves big tracts of land, in one case 300 square kilometres (115 square miles).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing land for development or conservation, use "a big tract" to convey a sense of scale and potential.

Common error

Avoid using "a big tract" in casual conversations; it is more appropriate for formal or technical descriptions of land or property.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big tract" functions as a noun phrase that describes a significant area of land. The adjective "big" modifies the noun "tract", indicating size. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big tract" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a large area of land. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. It's best suited for formal or technical descriptions rather than casual use. Alternatives like "a large area" or "a substantial parcel" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial parcel

Similar to tract, often used in legal or real estate contexts.

a large area

Focuses on the spatial extent, less specific to land.

a vast expanse

Emphasizes the openness and breadth of the area.

a significant plot

Highlights the importance and size of a land area.

a sprawling acreage

Emphasizes the uncontrolled or natural spread of the land.

a sizable piece of land

Simple and direct, specifying land.

an extensive property

Highlights ownership and the scope of the land.

a wide stretch

Focuses on the continuous nature of the land.

a considerable estate

Implies a large, often valuable, land holding.

an ample territory

Suggests a region or domain of considerable size.

FAQs

How can I use "a big tract" in a sentence?

You can use "a big tract" to describe a large area of land, for example, "The company purchased "a big tract" of land for development".

What are some alternatives to "a big tract"?

Alternatives include "a large area", "a substantial parcel", or "a vast expanse", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a big tract" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a big tract" is more suitable for formal or technical discussions about land or real estate, rather than casual conversation.

What's the difference between "a big tract" and "a large plot"?

"A big tract" typically refers to a more significant and often undeveloped area of land, whereas "a large plot" can refer to a sizable piece of land within a developed area.