a vast section

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast section" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large part or area of something, often in contexts related to geography, demographics, or any subject where size or extent is relevant. Example: "The study focused on a vast section of the population, examining their health and lifestyle choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A vast section of downtown Manhattan remained sealed off.

The Guardian

Such a change in party allegiance across a vast section of the electorate takes decades to achieve, and to undo.

The New Yorker

Many people will not accept a decision that so blatantly ignores the concerns of a vast section of our population and that rides roughshod over our democratic principles.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most famous was at Christmas 1839 when a vast section of cliff slid seaward, causing a chasm to open up behind.

The Guardian - Travel

The three previous searches covered a vast section of seabed to the northwest, based on computer models of currents and wind direction.

The New York Times

Some riders tweeted to complain about the long delays, and RideLondon later closed a vast section of the route, diverting riders from mile 44 to mile 70 and removing the famous Box Hill climb.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Albany Times Union put out a vast special section today, which included about 736 stories from the Siena beat writer Pete Iorizzo.

The New York Times

In the 35 years that Ben McFall, 64, has managed the vast section, many customers have: for that elusive first edition, for a good poetry recommendation, for relationship advice.

The New York Times

Since 1996, the average per-person emissions across that vast section of the planet has ballooned from two tonnes per person per year to a whisker shy of four tonnes.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a perfect example of Wolfe's "new journalism" and skewers a vast cross-section of New York society – from egomaniacal Wall Street millionaires to glad-handing street politicians – painting a vivid picture of a city declining inexorably into racial conflict, crime and greed.

The Guardian

Led by Chief Executive Mel Karmazin Mel Karmazin, the company is offering coverage of Super Bowl XL that will span a vast cross-section of listeners and tongues.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geographical areas or populations, use "a vast section" to emphasize the scale and scope of the area or group being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast section" in casual conversation. More informal alternatives like "a big part" or "a lot" are generally more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast section" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing areas, populations, or abstract concepts where size or extent is important.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a vast section" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a large portion of something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is suitable for neutral and informative writing, with the majority of examples found in news and media sources. While "a vast section" isn't exceptionally common, it effectively conveys the scale and importance of the portion being described. Be mindful of the context and avoid using it in casual settings, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Consider related phrases like "a large segment" or "an extensive area" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large segment

Replaces "vast" with "large" and "section" with "segment", maintaining a similar meaning but with slightly less emphasis on the scale.

a considerable portion

Substitutes "vast" with "considerable" and "section" with "portion", conveying a significant but potentially less extensive area.

a substantial part

Replaces "vast" with "substantial" and "section" with "part", implying a noteworthy amount or element of something.

an extensive area

Replaces "vast section" with "extensive area", focusing more on physical space and less on division or grouping.

a significant sector

Substitutes "vast" with "significant" and "section" with "sector", often used when referring to a part of an economy or population.

a wide expanse

Replaces "vast section" with "wide expanse", emphasizing the breadth and scope of an area.

a broad swath

Replaces "vast section" with "broad swath", suggesting a wide strip or area.

a large division

Substitutes "vast" with "large" and "section" with "division", suitable when referring to a sizable group or category.

a massive chunk

Replaces "vast" with "massive" and "section" with "chunk", conveying a large and somewhat undefined portion.

a sweeping tract

Replaces "vast section" with "sweeping tract", implying a large and continuous area of land.

FAQs

What does "a vast section" mean?

The phrase "a vast section" refers to a large or extensive part of something, typically an area, group, or collection. It emphasizes the size or scale of the portion being described.

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

You can use "a vast section" to describe the size of something, such as "A vast section of the forest was destroyed by the fire" or "The new policy affects a vast section of the population."

What can I say instead of "a vast section"?

You can use alternatives like "a large segment", "a considerable portion", or "an extensive area" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a vast section" or "a large section"?

"A vast section" implies a greater scale or extent than "a large section". Use "a vast section" when you want to emphasize the considerable size of the area or group being discussed. Using "a large section" is generally more appropriate.