a patch of ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a patch of ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific area of land, often implying a small or defined space. Example: "The children played on a patch of ground near the old oak tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

David Cheres first classroom was a patch of ground under a tree.

The Guardian

Rosie Hoole "Beautiful, fierce, radical loving memoir mapping a patch of ground and a personal transformation".

The Guardian - Books

Neiapo began scraping at a patch of ground with his hoe.

The New York Times - Magazine

"An odd chicken crosses" a patch of ground - "the odd chicken" must be meant.

The Guardian - Books

Now it had to home in on a patch of ground four miles wide by twelve miles long.

The New Yorker

But given a patch of ground, a windowbox, a dump-bag of soil, we can all garden.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Although this square was once a patch of open ground, and near land known as St Peter's Field, it was being rapidly urbanised during the nineteenth century.

The Guardian

They share at least a patch of common ground.

The New York Times

They squelch over a patch of boggy ground.

The New Yorker

Each curl of song was staking the birds' small claim to a patch of English ground.

The Guardian

A patch of charred ground marked the spot of Moran's death.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a patch of ground" to convey a sense of intimacy or personal connection to a place. This works well in descriptive and reflective writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a patch of ground" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terminology related to land measurement or classification is required. Opt for terms like "plot", "area", or "section" for greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a patch of ground" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used. It identifies a specific, usually small, area of land, often emphasizing its distinctness or isolation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

11%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a patch of ground" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a small, distinct area of land. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is accepted and understood in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media, but appearing in Science and Wiki articles as well, the phrase serves to provide descriptive context and detail. When writing, use "a patch of ground" to add specificity to your descriptions, but consider more precise terminology for highly formal contexts. Alternatives like "a plot of land" or "a tract of earth" may be more suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plot of land

Focuses on the designated area for specific use, often implying ownership or planning.

a tract of earth

Emphasizes the natural composition and uncultivated aspect of the land.

a piece of terrain

Highlights the geographical features and contours of the land.

a stretch of land

Suggests an extended or continuous area, possibly larger than a "patch".

a section of soil

Emphasizes the agricultural or horticultural quality and the composition of the area.

a small clearing

Highlights an open space within a larger area, such as a forest.

a parcel of property

Indicates ownership and legal boundaries of the land.

a spot of earth

Indicates a very small area of land, like a single point of interest.

a zone of territory

Indicates a specific region with borders that are often politically relevant.

a field area

Highlights the agricultural purpose of a certain delimited territory

FAQs

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

You can use "a patch of ground" to describe a small, distinct area of land. For example, "The children played on "a patch of ground" near the river."

What can I say instead of "a patch of ground"?

You can use alternatives like "a plot of land", "a tract of earth", or "a small clearing", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a patch of ground" or "a piece of ground"?

Both "a patch of ground" and "a piece of ground" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, ""a patch of ground"" often implies a smaller, more distinct area.

What's the difference between "a patch of ground" and "a plot of land"?

While both refer to areas of land, ""a patch of ground"" suggests a small, often undefined area. A "a plot of land", on the other hand, typically implies a defined area designated for a specific purpose, such as building or gardening.