a tract of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tract of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific area of land or a piece of land, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "The developer purchased a tract of land to build a new housing complex."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I got myself a tract of forest.

The Guardian - Books

The family sold a tract of land to pay for his passage.

The New York Times

By owning a shooting estate in Scotland and a tract of land in Sussex.

The Guardian - Opinion

THE HISTORY European settlers bought a tract of land from Lenape leaders in 1664.

The New York Times

It is uninhabited and, except for a tract of stunted birch forest, completely desolate.

Britannica

A tax lot is a tract of land used by the city to determine real estate taxes.

The New York Times

Farther up in the hills lies a tract of land called La Loma Park, which Maybeck purchased with several friends.

The New York Times - Travel

In return, St .Joe promised not to build anything on a tract of company land in Gulf County.

The New York Times

A tract of low flatland less than 100 feet (30 metres) above sea level, it was formerly surrounded by fens.

Britannica

Candili, a tract of 10,000 acres, has since 1830 been the domain of a British family related to Byron.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

H Several T residues are found within the 5' poly-A tract of this element.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tract of" when referring to a specific, often large, area of land, especially in formal or legal documents. Ensure the context clearly defines what kind of land is being described (e.g., forest, farmland, desert).

Common error

Avoid using "a tract of" when referring to very small pieces of land, such as a garden plot or a backyard. This phrase implies a significant area, so using it for small spaces can sound unnatural or exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tract of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically indicating a quantity or portion of land. It modifies a noun (e.g., land, forest) and introduces a description of a particular area. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tract of" correctly refers to an area or piece of land, often in formal contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used. While "very common" in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science it's crucial to consider the scale when using this phrase, as it implies a significant area. Related phrases like "a parcel of land" or "an area of land" can serve as alternatives depending on the level of formality and specificity required. Remember to use it appropriately to avoid sounding unnatural, particularly when describing smaller plots.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a parcel of land

Replaces "tract" with "parcel", a synonym often used in real estate.

a plot of land

Substitutes "tract" with "plot", indicating a smaller or more specific piece of land.

an area of land

Replaces "tract" with the more general term "area", suitable for less formal contexts.

a region of land

Suggests a larger, geographically defined section.

a stretch of land

Implies a long, continuous area of land.

a section of land

Indicates a specific portion or division of land.

a expanse of land

Emphasizes the broadness or vastness of the land.

a zone of land

Highlights a designated area with specific characteristics.

a segment of land

Refers to a divided or portioned piece of land.

a holding of land

Indicates possession or ownership of the land.

FAQs

How is "a tract of" used in a sentence?

The phrase "a tract of" typically precedes a noun that specifies the type of land being referred to. For example, "The developer purchased "a tract of land" to build a new housing complex" or "a tract of forest was preserved for conservation efforts."

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

You can use alternatives like "a parcel of land", "a plot of land", or "an area of land" depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Which is correct: "a tract of land" or "a tract of the land"?

"A tract of land" is the correct and more common phrasing. Using "the" implies that you are referring to a specific, previously mentioned piece of land, but in most cases, "a tract of land" is used to introduce the concept.

Is "a tract of land" a formal or informal expression?

While usable in both formal and informal contexts, "a tract of land" often appears in more formal or legal settings. Simpler alternatives like "an area of land" might be preferable in casual conversation.