a swath of

USAGE SUMMARY

'a swath of' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a wide expanse or range of something. For example, "The fields were filled with a swath of wildflowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

And a swath of homeowners was even more thinly stretched.

The New York Times

That would cover a swath of sub-Saharan African countries.

The New York Times - Health

A swath of cracked concrete stretches ahead of me.

The New York Times - Travel

On Seth's collarbone is "a swath of new-tattoo bandage, which glows faintly in the dusk".

The New York Times - Books

She's cutting a swath of terror through the New York Psychoanalytic Institute.

The New Yorker

For the first time, we entered a swath of dense forest.

The New Yorker

Except for holes for her eyes and mouth, her face was a swath of white cloth.

The New Yorker

A swath of green extends from the water's edge halfway up to Wall Street.

The New York Times - Arts

Controls a swath of Iraq and Syria home to up to five million people.

Independent

And as a counterpoint to all those white walls, he often adds a swath of black.

The New York Times

A panel half lawyers, half laymen interviews a swath of possible judges.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a swath of" to describe a wide area, range, or collection of something. It adds a sense of scale and impact to your writing. For example, "A swath of new policies was introduced."

Common error

Avoid using "a swath of" when referring to a single item or a very small quantity. "Swath" implies a broad area or range, so using it with singular or few items can sound awkward. Instead of "a swath of one tree", simply say "one tree".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a swath of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying the noun to indicate a large area, amount, or range. As Ludwig's AI analysis confirms, it is used to describe a wide expanse or range of something, like "a swath of wildflowers".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a swath of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a large area, range, or collection. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources, denoting its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended sense of scale and avoid misusing it for singular items. Alternatives like "a wide area of" or "a broad range of" can be used for variety. This phrase helps to emphasize the extent or impact of what you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide area of

Focuses on the physical extent of the area.

a large section of

Emphasizes a significant part or segment of something.

a broad range of

Highlights the diversity and scope of items or topics.

a considerable amount of

Stresses the substantial quantity or degree of something.

an extensive stretch of

Suggests a continuous and lengthy area or period.

a significant portion of

Implies a notable fraction or share of a whole.

a vast expanse of

Conveys the immensity and grandeur of an area.

a great deal of

Underscores the abundance or magnitude of something.

a wide scope of

Focuses on the comprehensiveness and breadth of coverage.

a sweeping extent of

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of an area or influence.

FAQs

How to use "a swath of" in a sentence?

"A swath of" is used to describe a large area or range. For example, "A swath of land was cleared for the new development" or "A swath of new laws were enacted last year".

What can I say instead of "a swath of"?

You can use alternatives like "a wide area of", "a broad range of", or "a considerable amount of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a swath of problems"?

Yes, it's correct. "A swath of problems" is used to describe a large number of related or interconnected issues. For instance, "The new regulations created "a swath of problems" for small businesses".

What's the difference between "a swath of" and "a strip of"?

"A swath of" generally refers to a wider or more extensive area or range, while "a strip of" typically describes a long, narrow area. For example, "a swath of forest" implies a large area, whereas "a strip of land" implies a narrow section.