a vast area of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast area of" can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate a large expanse of land or space. Example sentence: The Sahara Desert covers a vast area of North Africa.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His vision underpins a vast area of modern technology.

The Guardian

Its twin Bactrian humps rise from a vast area of lochs, bluffs and streams.

The Guardian - Travel

It is set within a vast area of nature reserves 60km east of Heidelberg.

The Guardian - Travel

Northwest Territories, region of northern and northwestern Canada, encompassing a vast area of forests and tundra.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All that remained was a vast area of sand and gravel resembling a beach.

The New York Times

Louisville's commercial influence extended over a vast area of the South and the Midwest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of these the largest is Al-Sudd, a vast area of floating swamp reeds, mostly papyrus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The gravest example is the Black Sea, into which rivers drain from a vast area of Europe and Asia.

The Economist

The 33 islands of Kiribati, of which only 20 are inhabited, are scattered over a vast area of ocean.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Meadowlands, a vast area of wetlands west of Manhattan, is not the windiest spot in the state.

The New York Times - Sports

Expanded drilling around a vast area of lakes, rivers and marshes centred on Teshekpuk Lake is also planned.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast area of" to effectively communicate the large scale of a geographical location, an abstract concept, or a collection of items. Ensure the noun following "of" is appropriate to the context (e.g., "land", "knowledge", "resources").

Common error

Avoid using "a vast area of" when a simpler descriptor like "large" or "extensive" would suffice. Overusing "vast" can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or repetitive. For example, instead of "a vast area of the garden", consider "a large part of the garden" if the area isn't truly immense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast area of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a large extent or expanse. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it commonly precedes nouns referring to geographical locations, abstract domains, or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast area of" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe something that covers a large expanse or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence in various contexts, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While effective for emphasizing size, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. The phrase exhibits a neutral register and finds frequent use in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large expanse of

Replaces "vast" with "large", indicating a considerable size but with less emphasis on immensity.

a boundless expanse of

Replaces "vast" with "boundless", highlighting the seemingly limitless nature of the area.

a wide extent of

Substitutes "vast area" with "wide extent", focusing on the breadth and scope rather than just the size.

an extensive region of

Replaces "vast area" with "extensive region", suggesting a broad and far-reaching geographical space.

an immense sweep of

Combines immensity with the idea of sweeping across a space, emphasizing scale and reach.

a considerable tract of

Uses "considerable tract" instead of "vast area", implying a significant portion or region.

a sweeping stretch of

Emphasizes the continuous and unbroken nature of a large area.

a substantial portion of

Changes the focus from area to portion, implying a significant part of something.

a significant sector of

Replaces area with sector suggesting a specific part or division within a larger whole.

a sizable chunk of

Uses "sizable chunk" to convey a large and noticeable piece or segment.

FAQs

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

Use "a vast area of" to describe something that covers a large space or scope. For example, "The forest fire consumed "a vast area of" woodland".

What phrases are similar to "a vast area of"?

Alternatives include "a large expanse of", "a wide extent of", or "an extensive region of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "vast" when describing a large area?

No, "vast" implies an extremely large size. If the area is simply large but not exceptionally so, consider using words like "large", "extensive", or "considerable" instead.

Can "a vast area of" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, it can. For example, you could say "He has "a vast area of" knowledge in the field of astrophysics". However, ensure the usage is appropriate and not overly dramatic.