a vast fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large amount of wealth or money that someone possesses. Example: "After years of hard work, she finally inherited a vast fortune from her late uncle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What he hasn't created is a company in his own name, or a vast fortune to go along with it.

The New Yorker

She said he was the son of the fourth Marquis de Larios, the heir to a vast fortune.

The New York Times

Drexel was the daughter of the American financier and philanthropist Francis Anthony Drexel, from whom she inherited a vast fortune.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Born to a vast fortune, Miss Clark grew up in an equally splendid but far different home.

The New York Times

Still, the Sotheby's auction, as well as other high-profile sales, have made Mr. Hirst a vast fortune.

The New York Times - Arts

Now BBC One's Panorama has broadcast allegations that the Russian leader has secretly amassed a vast fortune.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite piling up a vast fortune over the years, Trump has seen his companies file at least four bankruptcies.

The Guardian

He had a vast fortune, a last minute change to his will and six people who all want his money.

The Guardian - Travel

Now the man who brought Mr. Hevesi to prominence, Mr. Morris, has made a vast fortune, trading on his access.

The New York Times

He has been a part of the city's landscape since 1973, making a vast fortune with winning teams and by threatening to leave.

The New York Times

NAIROBI, Kenya — He has been charged with heinous crimes, accused of using a vast fortune to bankroll death squads that slaughtered women and children.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast fortune" when you want to emphasize the immense scale and potential impact of someone's wealth. It suggests not just wealth, but a life-altering level of financial abundance.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast fortune" to describe wealth that is substantial but not exceptionally large. The phrase implies an extraordinary amount, so be sure the context justifies such a strong term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast fortune" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb (e.g., inherited, amassed) or as a complement describing someone's financial status. Ludwig AI confirms its common and grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast fortune" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an exceptionally large amount of wealth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly appears in news media and encyclopedia entries, often used to emphasize the significant financial status of individuals or organizations. While broadly applicable, it's best suited for situations where the scale of wealth is truly immense, distinguishing it from simpler terms like "a large fortune". When you want to signal something more than mere wealth, but a life-altering level of abundance, then "a vast fortune" is an excellent choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great fortune

Emphasizes the positive aspect of wealth, suggesting abundance and good luck.

a considerable fortune

Highlights the substantial amount of wealth, focusing on its notable size.

a large fortune

Focuses on the significant quantity of wealth.

an immense fortune

Stresses the extremely large and immeasurable nature of the wealth.

a substantial fortune

Indicates that the wealth is solid and significant, implying stability.

a significant fortune

Underscores the importance and impact of the wealth.

a sizable fortune

Highlights the considerable size and volume of the wealth.

a massive fortune

Emphasizes the enormous and overwhelming scale of the wealth.

a princely sum

Implies that the fortune is large enough to befit royalty.

a king's ransom

Similar to a princely sum, suggesting the fortune is so large it could rescue a king.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vast fortune" to describe someone who has inherited or accumulated a very large amount of wealth. For example, "She inherited "a vast fortune" from her grandfather".

What are some alternatives to "a vast fortune"?

Alternatives to "a vast fortune" include phrases like "a great fortune", "an immense fortune", or "a substantial fortune", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a vast fortune" in formal writing?

Yes, "a vast fortune" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when describing significant amounts of wealth. However, ensure the context warrants such an emphatic term. In more neutral contexts, phrases like "a considerable fortune" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "a vast fortune" and "a large fortune"?

"A vast fortune" implies a greater magnitude of wealth than "a large fortune". While both suggest a significant amount of money, "a vast fortune" emphasizes the scale is exceptionally large and perhaps almost beyond comprehension.