a vast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "vast" to mean "enormous" or "very great." For example, you could say "The sky was vast and dark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"A vast wasteland"!

The New Yorker

It's also a vast responsibility.

The New Yorker

It is a vast organisation.

The Economist

That is a vast question.

The New York Times

It's a vast, fertile field.

The New York Times

So it's a vast improvement".

Independent

A vast amount is wasted.

The New York Times

It's a vast area, though.

The New York Times - Travel

TAKE a vast windowless hall.

The Economist

This is a vast shift in taste.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Were slaves actually planning a vast insurrection?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast" to emphasize the immense scale or scope of something, creating a sense of awe or overwhelming size. For instance, "The desert stretched out as a vast expanse of sand."

Common error

Avoid using "a vast" in casual conversation where a simpler adjective like "big" or "large" would suffice. Overusing it can sound overly formal or even pompous. Instead, reserve "a vast" for situations where you genuinely want to convey a sense of immensity or grandeur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to emphasize the scale, scope, or extent of the noun it describes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a vast" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that emphasizes the immense scale, scope, or extent of something. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from authoritative sources. It's most common in news and media, scientific writing, and encyclopedic content, and its register leans towards neutral and formal. When writing, use "a vast" to convey a sense of immensity, but avoid overusing it in casual contexts where simpler adjectives might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "a large", "an extensive", or "a significant" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extensive

Focuses on the reach or scope of something, rather than just its size.

a large

Focuses on size, similar to "a vast" but can sometimes imply less of an overwhelming scale.

a tremendous

Highlights the great magnitude or intensity of something.

a gigantic

Implies an extremely large size, often used for emphasis.

a significant

Emphasizes importance or consequence rather than sheer size.

a substantial

Indicates that something is of considerable size, quantity, or importance.

a considerable

Suggests something is noteworthy in size, amount, or extent.

a great

A more general term for something large or significant, less emphatic than "a vast".

a comprehensive

Emphasizes completeness and breadth, rather than just size.

a wide

Focuses on the breadth or scope of something, often used for variety or options.

FAQs

How can I use "a vast" in a sentence?

You can use "a vast" to describe something of immense size, scope, or quantity. For example, "The internet provides "a vast amount of information" on nearly every topic imaginable."

What are some alternatives to "a vast"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a large", "a significant", "an extensive", or "a tremendous" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "a vast" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "a vast" is best suited for formal writing or when you specifically want to emphasize the immensity or grandeur of something. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a vast" and "a huge"?

Both phrases indicate something large, but "a vast" often implies a sense of expanse, scope, or complexity, whereas "a huge" primarily emphasizes size. For example, you might say "a vast territory" to suggest a large and complex area, but "a huge building" to simply describe its physical size.