a sprawling network

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sprawling network" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe any type of expansive network, such as a transportation system or telecommunications infrastructure. For example, you might say: "This city has a sprawling network of public transportation routes to get people to their destinations quickly and conveniently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

A sprawling network of trails and canopy walkways provides plentiful opportunities to run into them.

The Guardian - Travel

oversees a sprawling network of forty-five hundremployees employeespreadacrossoss the government.

The New Yorker

Ms. Rowling now sits at the center of a sprawling network of companies capitalizing on the fruits of her imagination.

The New York Times

A sprawling network of parabolic mirrors focuses the sun's energy on black-painted pipes, which carry the heat to huge tanks of molten salt.

The New York Times

Earlier this month its crime-infested quarter of Lyari, a sprawling network of alleyways housing 1m people, saw battles that pitted police against a powerful local gang.

The Economist

Sotomayor has built a sprawling network of friends, acquaintances, and colleagues much in the way of her opinions: diligently, and without any great flourish.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Huge amounts of effort is put into hiding the cost and weight of digitised capitalism, from simple terminology like 'the cloud' which actually means a vast sprawling network of undersea cables and server centres consuming around 2% of the world's energy, through to the strange physicality of an Amazon warehouse," Tobias reveals. .

Vice

A Clinton campaign spokesperson explains the sprawling network is "a way to make sure our technology and innovation policy agenda presents a clear and comprehensive vision for the country".

Huffington Post

Long John Silver's and A&W account for 1,630 restaurants in Yum's portfolio -- a small fraction of the company's sprawling network of 37,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries.

The New York Times

The gasoline distribution system is a sprawling, decentralized network made up of gas stations that have different contracts with distributors to transport gasoline from regional terminals.

The New York Times

Despite more than a decade of spectacular growth under Terry Leahy, there are some problems in a sprawling international network that takes in 13 countries outside the UK.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sprawling network" to vividly describe systems that are not only large but also expand irregularly or across a wide area, such as "a sprawling network of hiking trails".

Common error

Avoid using "sprawling" when simply indicating a large or extensive network. "Sprawling" implies irregular growth or expansion, so reserve this phrase for contexts where the network's growth pattern is a key characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sprawling network" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, such as describing infrastructure or organizational structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sprawling network" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe systems or structures that are large, widespread, and often complex. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. When using the phrase, consider its implications of irregular or uncontrolled growth, and ensure it aligns with the specific characteristics of the network you are describing. While alternatives like "an extensive network" or "a vast network" exist, "a sprawling network" distinctly emphasizes the scattered and expansive nature of the system.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad network

Emphasizes the wide scope or range of the network.

an extensive network

Highlights the reach and comprehensiveness of the network.

a vast network

Focuses on the immense scale or size of the network.

a comprehensive network

Stresses the thoroughness and completeness of the network.

a large network

Indicates the considerable size of the network.

a sweeping network

Suggests a widespread and all-encompassing network.

a wide network

Highlights the breadth and reach of the network.

a complex network

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the network.

a wide-reaching network

Focuses on the network's ability to affect a large area or group.

a far-reaching network

Highlights the network's long-distance impact and influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sprawling network" to describe a system or infrastructure that's large and spread out, such as "The city has a sprawling network of subway lines" or "The organization maintains a sprawling network of international offices".

What are some alternatives to "a sprawling network"?

You can use alternatives like "a broad network", "an extensive network", or "a vast network" depending on the specific context.

What does "sprawling" imply when describing a network?

"Sprawling" suggests that the network is not only large but also spread out in an uneven or somewhat uncontrolled way. It implies a lack of central planning or a growth pattern that's organic and perhaps even a bit chaotic.

Is it always positive to describe something as "a sprawling network"?

Not necessarily. While it can simply describe size and extent, the word "sprawling" can also carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the network is unwieldy, inefficient, or difficult to manage. The connotation depends heavily on the context.