a dramatic swath

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dramatic swath" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or impactful area or range of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The artist painted a dramatic swath of color across the canvas, capturing the viewer's attention immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

People who cut a dramatic swath.

The New Yorker

In "Solar Road," a vast, lonely sweep of flat land is crossed by a road whose single streetlight cuts a dramatic swath, revealing salt flats in the distance and a glimmer of city lights at the far right -- it's a photograph that makes a landscape into a spectacular stage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If the postwar age of anxiety was supposed to have ended 30 or 40 years ago, a swath of media articles now suggest a dramatic comeback.

The Guardian - Opinion

Embarking this far north, along a wild stretch of the river, gives you the chance to see a wonder few outsiders have ever witnessed: the Irrawaddy's Second Defile, a dramatic passage between soaring limestone cliffs, past hillside monasteries, and along vast swaths of undisturbed forests.

Huffington Post

It would also lead to a huge swath of land adjacent to Manhattan becoming uninhabitable and probably to a dramatic increase in childhood cancers in surrounding communities.

The New York Times

A dramatic rock windup.

The New Yorker

A dramatic criticism.

The New Yorker

"It has a dramatic beginning.

The New York Times

Then came a dramatic pause.

The New York Times

A DRAMATIC day in Sarajevo.

The Economist

This is a dramatic turnabout.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dramatic swath" when you want to emphasize a significant or impactful area or range of something, often in a metaphorical sense. It suggests a bold or noticeable presence.

Common error

Avoid using "a dramatic swath" too frequently, as the word 'dramatic' can lose its impact with repetition. Consider using synonyms like 'striking', 'bold', or 'impressive' to vary your language and maintain the desired effect.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a dramatic swath" is to act as a noun phrase, where 'dramatic' modifies the noun 'swath'. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples demonstrate its function in describing impactful areas.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A dramatic swath" is a noun phrase used to describe a large and impactful area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though its frequency is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it conveys a sense of scale and significance. When using this phrase, consider its emphasis on drama and impact, and explore synonyms like "striking range" or "bold expanse" for variety. While accurate and vivid, be mindful of overuse to maintain the potency of the description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a striking range

Emphasizes the impressiveness of the area, shifting from 'dramatic' to 'striking'.

an impressive stretch

Highlights the visual appeal and length of the area, changing 'dramatic' to 'impressive' and 'swath' to 'stretch'.

a bold expanse

Focuses on the large size and confident nature of the area, replacing 'dramatic' with 'bold' and 'swath' with 'expanse'.

a sweeping extent

Focuses on the broad reach and scope, replacing 'dramatic' with 'sweeping' and 'swath' with 'extent'.

a significant portion

Highlights the importance and size of the area, using more neutral language.

a remarkable section

Highlights unusualness and being a division of something, keeping a neutral tone.

a considerable segment

Emphasizes the noteworthy size and being part of a whole, using more formal vocabulary.

a prominent segment

Emphasizes notability and being part of a whole, maintaining a formal tone.

a conspicuous area

Focuses on being easily noticed, using simpler language.

a noteworthy division

Highlights importance and being part of a whole, using more formal vocabulary.

FAQs

How can I use "a dramatic swath" in a sentence?

You can use "a dramatic swath" to describe a large or significant area or portion of something, especially when emphasizing its impact or visual appeal. For instance, 'The wildfire consumed a dramatic swath of the forest'.

What phrases are similar to "a dramatic swath"?

Alternatives include "a striking range", "a bold expanse", or "a significant portion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a dramatic swath" formal or informal?

"A dramatic swath" leans towards a neutral register, suitable for both news reporting and creative writing. It's generally appropriate unless extreme formality is required.

When is it appropriate to use "a dramatic swath" over simpler alternatives?

Use "a dramatic swath" when you want to emphasize the scale and impact of an area or change. If you are looking for simpler alternatives you may consider "a huge swath".