a sprawling complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sprawling complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, extensive, and often disorganized area or structure, such as a building or a group of buildings. Example: "The university features a sprawling complex of libraries, lecture halls, and student residences that cater to thousands of students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inside the walls was a sprawling complex of intersecting compounds.

The New Yorker

Finally they chose the Ratchaburi Provincial Hospital, a sprawling complex that is very difficult to secure.

The New York Times

Their backyard has a sprawling complex of ramps, where other professional skaters often ride together.

The New York Times - Sports

The Home Depot Center is a sprawling complex with soccer fields, tennis courts and a cycling velodrome.

The New York Times

Many flocked to the convent, shown on film in court as a sprawling complex with a clinic and vegetable fields.

The New York Times

Citigroup remains a sprawling, complex enterprise, with 200 million customer accounts and operations in more than 100 countries.

The New York Times

The Wagner Houses, also known as the Triborough Houses, is a sprawling complex with 5,300 residents.

The New York Times

More than 1,200 American service members re-enlisted Friday at Camp Victory, a sprawling complex on Baghdad's outskirts.

The New York Times

People who were found to be ill with contagious diseases were sent to the Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital, a sprawling complex of 22 buildings on two nearby islands.

The New York Times

There is a lot of ground to cover at the tennis tournament, where several matches take place simultaneously across a sprawling complex in Flushing Meadows-Corona Meadows-Corona Park, Queens

The New York Times

Niki, in the beautiful hilltop capital of Hora, is a sprawling complex of whitewashed buildings with all manner of rooms, studios and apartments.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sprawling complex" to emphasize both the physical size and the intricate arrangement of elements within the space.

Common error

Avoid using "a sprawling complex" when a simpler description of size would suffice. For example, instead of "The house was a sprawling complex", consider "The house was very large" if the complexity isn't relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sprawling complex" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "sprawling" modifies the noun "complex". It is used to provide detail about the size and layout of a location or structure, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sprawling complex" is a descriptive phrase used to convey the large size and often intricate or disorganized nature of a location. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media. While appropriate for describing locations with interconnected parts, it should be avoided in favor of simpler descriptions if the complexity isn't relevant. Alternative phrases include "extensive compound" and "large-scale facility", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive compound

Focuses on the compound nature, emphasizing the large extent.

vast establishment

Highlights the large scale and organizational aspect of the complex.

sizeable installation

Emphasizes the considerable size and the setup or arrangement.

large-scale facility

Highlights the facility aspect and its large scale.

expansive site

Focuses on the broad and open nature of the location.

broad campus

Specifically refers to an academic or institutional setting that is large and spread out.

extensive grounds

Highlights the landscape and outdoor areas of a large property.

massive estate

Emphasizes the grand scale and property aspect.

huge installation

Highlights the enormous size of an assembled or established structure.

extensive property

Focuses on the vastness and ownership of the land.

FAQs

How can I use "a sprawling complex" in a sentence?

You can use "a sprawling complex" to describe a large area with many interconnected parts, such as "The hospital is "a sprawling complex" of buildings and gardens".

What are some alternatives to "a sprawling complex"?

Alternatives include "extensive compound", "vast establishment", or "large-scale facility" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a sprawling complex"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize both the size and the interconnectedness of the parts of a structure or area. It suggests more than just size; it implies a network of related elements.

Is "a large complex" the same as "a sprawling complex"?

While both describe a large structure, "a large complex" simply indicates size. ""a sprawling complex"" also suggests that it spreads out in an irregular or extensive manner, often implying a network of interconnected components.