a vast section of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast section of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large part or area of something, often in relation to a group, population, or physical space. Example: "A vast section of the population supports the new policy, indicating a significant shift in public opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A vast section of downtown Manhattan remained sealed off.

The Guardian

This occurred across a vast section of the northern Great Barrier Reef last year.

The Washington Post

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

China's vast section of the World Wide Web and the companies that operate it are influential outside that country.

MIT Technology Review

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

No one had mapped this vast section of the Pacific before, and Wilkes' charts were so accurate that they were copied by the Europeans and used by the U.S. Navy in World War II.

Los Angeles Times

Such poignant scenes abounded as New Orleans tried to fathom the scope of a disaster that left vast sections of its residential eastern part under water, in places roof deep.

The New York Times

Ethiopia imprisoned dissidents and journalists, used food aid as a political tool, appropriated vast sections of land from its citizens and prevented the United Nations from demarcating its border with Eritrea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast section of" when you want to emphasize that a significant portion of something is being referred to, implying a large area, group, or quantity. For clarity, follow with a specific noun or description of what constitutes the section.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a vast section of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a lot of" or "many" for a more natural tone. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast section of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, specifying a large portion or area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. It introduces the subject by indicating that the following noun represents a significant part of a larger whole.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Travel

2%

Sports

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast section of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as stated by Ludwig AI, that indicates a large portion or area of something. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When considering alternative phrases, options like "a large segment of" or "a significant portion of" may be suitable depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. While accurate and useful, be mindful of overuse, especially in informal settings where simpler language may be preferred. Always ensure the noun following the phrase clearly defines what is being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large segment of

Replaces "vast" with "large" and "section" with "segment", offering a slightly less emphatic alternative.

a significant portion of

Uses "significant" to highlight the importance of the part being referenced, rather than just its size. "Portion" is used instead of "section".

a considerable part of

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of the size with "considerable", offering a slightly more formal tone and replaces "section" with "part".

a substantial fraction of

"Substantial" emphasizes the solid or real nature of the amount, and "fraction" suggests it's a part of a whole. Slightly more formal.

a sizable chunk of

"Sizable" focuses on the largeness in a more informal way, and "chunk" refers to a noticeable piece.

a good deal of

A more idiomatic expression that indicates a large quantity or amount, suitable for less formal contexts.

a major component of

Shifts the focus to the importance or role of the part, using "component" to denote a contributing element.

a large expanse of

Suitable when referring to geographical areas or surfaces, emphasizing the extent of the area.

an extensive range of

Applicable when referring to a wide variety or scope of items, ideas, or possibilities. Not applicable to areas.

a sweeping area of

Implies that the area in question is all-encompassing, and replaces "section" with "area".

FAQs

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

You can use "a vast section of" to describe a large portion or area of something. For example: "A vast section of the forest was destroyed by the wildfire." or "A vast section of the population supports this policy".

What are some alternatives to "a vast section of"?

You can use alternatives like "a large segment of", "a significant portion of", or "a considerable part of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a vast section of" and "a large section of"?

While both phrases refer to a considerable portion, "a vast section of" implies a greater scale or extent than "a large section of". "Vast" emphasizes the immensity of the portion being described.

When is it appropriate to use "a vast section of"?

It's appropriate to use "a vast section of" in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the considerable size or extent of something. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be more suitable.