a patch of earth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a patch of earth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small area of land or soil, often in a gardening or agricultural context. Example: "She decided to plant flowers in a patch of earth near the front of her house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

That the revolution is riding in on a $25 billion company gentrifying a patch of earth called the Bay Area and displacing people of color in the process goes unmentioned in the manifesto.

Huffington Post

Vegetables dug freely out of a patch of earth now cost half a day's income.

The Guardian

Carved Yoruba house posts turn a patch of earth into a royal enclosure.

The New York Times - Arts

Sweet-faced children helped the first lady -- dressed in a black tunic and matching knee-high boots -- till a patch of earth on the South Lawn.

The Washington Post

Then it became part of the oil complex, fenced in, a patch of earth not unlike the rest; the village got about $130 for it.

The New York Times

"It's going to be something tomorrow," said a gardener for the funeral home as he hosed a patch of earth near the side entrance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In 1997, Roberts was walking through a bootlegger's field near Dillon, South Carolina, when he came upon a patch of Carolina white gourdseed an all but extinct variety of corn once famous for its floral aroma and creamy texture.

The New Yorker

In 1997, Roberts was walking through a bootlegger's field near Dillon, South Carolina, when he came upon a patch of Carolina white gourdseed — an all but extinct variety of corn once famous for its floral aroma and creamy texture.

The New Yorker

IF you plan on conjuring up a 1970s dance club in Lagos, Nigeria, on Broadway, a fine place to start is a patch of Africa tucked along a Harlem cross street.

The New York Times

Sixty-one years ago, Levitt began mass-producing homes on a patch of Long Island potato fields.

The New York Times

Visit the City Room blog's 2012 Spring Time series, which tracked the season in a patch of Staten Island forest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a patch of earth" to vividly describe a small, distinct area of land, especially when emphasizing its natural or undeveloped state. This phrase works well in descriptive writing to evoke a sense of place or connection to nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a patch of earth" in highly formal or technical documents where more precise or scientific terms might be more appropriate. Instead, consider using terms like "designated area" or "specific location" for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a patch of earth" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it identifies a specific, usually small, area of land or soil.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a patch of earth" is a descriptive noun phrase used to refer to a small, distinct area of land or soil. Ludwig AI shows it's grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral to informal in register, it’s best used in descriptive or creative writing rather than strictly formal or technical documents. Consider alternatives like "a plot of land" or "a piece of ground" for different shades of meaning. This phrase effectively evokes a sense of place and connection to nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A plot of land

Focuses on the area as a defined space for a specific purpose, like gardening or building.

A parcel of earth

Similar to "plot" but can imply a more natural, undeveloped state.

A piece of ground

Emphasizes the physical material and surface of the area.

A spot of ground

Emphasizes the small size and potentially isolated nature of the area.

A section of soil

Highlights the composition and quality of the earth in that specific area.

A segment of soil

Highlights a specific section or component of the earth's composition.

A small terrain area

More formal and emphasizes the geographical aspect of the space.

A region of dirt

Informal and emphasizes the earthy composition of the location.

A tract of land

Implies a larger, less defined area compared to "patch".

A zone of ground

Highlights a particular section or division of an area.

FAQs

How can I use "a patch of earth" in a sentence?

You can use "a patch of earth" to describe a small area of ground, for example: "She decided to plant wildflowers in "a patch of earth" behind her house."

What are some alternatives to "a patch of earth"?

Alternatives include "a plot of land", "a piece of ground", or "a section of soil", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a patch of earth" formal or informal?

"A patch of earth" leans towards the informal side, suitable for descriptive or creative writing. More formal contexts might benefit from phrases like "a designated area" or "a specific location".

What does "a patch of earth" typically refer to?

"A patch of earth" commonly refers to a small, often undeveloped or natural area of land or soil. It can suggest a close connection to nature or a specific geographical area.