a large expanse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large expanse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a vast area or space, often in relation to land, sky, or water. Example: "The view from the mountaintop revealed a large expanse of forest stretching as far as the eye could see."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a large expanse of forest painted at dusk.

The New York Times

A patio in the rear of house overlooks a large expanse of lawn.

The New York Times

We emerge from the shadowy forest to a large expanse of blinding snow.

The Guardian - Travel

The works depict a fictitious forest fire, which devastates a large expanse of trees and underbrush.

The New York Times

The Los Angeles Mormon Temple, like a secret fortress on a hill behind a large expanse of perfectly manicured lawn.

The New York Times

Al-ʿAyn Al-ʿAynated is a large expansituatedrtine land at the foot of Mount Ḥafīt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ghamrawi nudged me and pointed at a shimmer of lights to the south, beyond a large expanse of open land.

The Guardian - Books

A decade ago, the island, which juts into the Persian Gulf, was a large expanse of mangroves and sand.

The New Yorker

A large expanse of it hung in the Homes and Gardens pavilion, in the "contemporary" dining room designed by Robin.

The Guardian - Arts

(The cloud cover signaled to the navigators that there was a large expanse of terrain beneath it).

The New Yorker

The front passenger faces a large expanse of grained plastic, broken only by a protruding lip over the glovebox.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a large expanse" to vividly describe geographical features like "a large expanse of desert" or abstract concepts such as "a large expanse of time."

Common error

While descriptive, "a large expanse" can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions using synonyms like "vast area" or "wide stretch" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large expanse" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It typically modifies a noun, providing a descriptive measure of size or extent. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large expanse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase suitable for describing considerable areas or extents, both physical and abstract. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across varied contexts. While versatile, writers should consider synonyms to avoid redundancy. It commonly appears in news, encyclopedic texts, and scientific publications, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. Remember, it efficiently communicates scale and magnitude in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vast area

Replaces "expanse" with "area", emphasizing the size of the space.

a wide stretch

Substitutes "expanse" with "stretch", highlighting the continuous nature of the area.

a broad expanse

Uses "broad" instead of "large", giving a slightly different nuance to the extent.

an extensive area

Replaces "large expanse" with "extensive area", emphasizing thorough coverage.

a considerable stretch

Emphasizes a noteworthy length or distance.

a significant area

Highlights the importance or impact of the size.

a sweeping vista

Focuses on the visual aspect of a wide view.

an immense region

Replaces "expanse" with "region", suggesting a defined geographical area.

a sizable tract

Uses "tract" to specifically refer to a large area of land.

a boundless space

Suggests limitless extent, emphasizing the lack of boundaries.

FAQs

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

You can use "a large expanse" to describe a vast area of land, water, or sky. For example, "The explorers crossed "a large expanse" of desert."

What are some alternatives to "a large expanse"?

Alternatives include "a vast area", "a wide stretch", or "an extensive area" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a large expanse" or "a vast expanse"?

Both are correct, but "vast" implies a greater degree of largeness than "large". "A vast expanse" might be more appropriate for describing something truly immense.

Can "a large expanse" be used to describe abstract things?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts. For example, "He had "a large expanse" of knowledge on the subject."