a broad expanse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad expanse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, open area or a wide stretch of something, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The hikers stood in awe at the edge of the cliff, gazing out over a broad expanse of untouched wilderness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

A broad expanse of alluvial soils covers the Danube floodplain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Alila Seminyak sits overlooking a broad expanse of sand with the Indian Ocean beyond.

Independent

She had a broad expanse of forehead, dark, nearly black hair, and hazel eyes.

The New Yorker

Lighthouse Beach, a broad expanse of golden sand pounded by breakers, was deserted on Friday.

Independent

One is a broad expanse of a plant called black needle rush.

The New York Times - Arts

There are plumes of smoke every few hundred metres across a broad expanse of forest.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Where a broader expanse of color is called for, she rubs the oils across the page.

The New York Times - Books

Embryos' developing brains turned blue sooner and over a broader expanse if they carried the human version of the enhancer, Silver, Wray, and their colleagues report online today in Current Biology.

Science Magazine

The signature elements of Highland Park's regular bottlings — malt, brine, the merest whiff of peat, all on a lovely broad expanse of a frame — are cranked up hugely, but not at all jarringly.

The New York Times

The Sahara is an arid, broad expanse featuring primarily sand and barren, hard, rocky plateaus.

The Guardian

Vocal seals, dive-bombing pelicans and scurrying snowy plovers animated the broad expanse and, a few hundred feet northward around a point, the kids discovered wind-sculptured stumps of smooth, gray rock punctuating an otherworldly landscape.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a broad expanse" to effectively describe large areas, landscapes, surfaces, or even abstract concepts when you want to emphasize their extensive nature. For example, "The artist used sweeping brushstrokes to capture the broad expanse of the prairie."

Common error

Avoid using "a broad expanse" in situations where a simpler term like "large area" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or verbose, especially in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad expanse" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a large and often continuous area or surface, emphasizing its size. Examples from Ludwig show it describing physical landscapes and abstract concepts alike.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad expanse" is a versatile phrase used to describe large and extensive areas or surfaces. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "a vast area" or "a wide stretch" exist, "a broad expanse" offers a distinct emphasis on continuity and scale. When using the phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality and avoids potential overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vast area

Emphasizes the immensity and scale of the area.

a wide stretch

Highlights the length and continuity of the area.

a large tract

Suggests a considerable piece of land or territory.

a great extent

Focuses on the degree or scope of something, whether physical or abstract.

a sweeping vista

Implies an impressive and panoramic view.

a considerable field

Suggests the importance and magnitude of the area.

a spacious domain

Conveys a sense of openness and ownership.

a sizable region

Indicates a large geographical or administrative area.

an expansive scope

Focuses on the comprehensive nature or range of something.

an ample space

Highlights the generous amount of room available.

FAQs

How can I use "a broad expanse" in a sentence?

You can use "a broad expanse" to describe a large area or surface. For example: "The explorers gazed across a broad expanse of desert" or "The canvas featured a broad expanse of blue."

What are some alternatives to "a broad expanse"?

Some alternatives include "a vast area", "a wide stretch", or "a large tract", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "a broad expanse" or "a wide area"?

"A broad expanse" and "a wide area" are similar, but "a broad expanse" often suggests a more continuous and visually impressive scale. Use "a wide area" if you simply want to convey that something covers a lot of space.

What is the difference between "a broad expanse" and "a great extent"?

"A broad expanse" typically refers to a physical area, while "a great extent" can also refer to the degree or scope of something abstract, such as influence or knowledge.