a vast stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast stretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large expanse of land, water, or any other area that is extensive in size. Example: "The hikers marveled at the breathtaking view of a vast stretch of untouched wilderness before them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the property is in the middle of a vast stretch of B.L.M. land.

The New York Times

"There is a vast stretch without any police presence," the bishop said.

The New York Times

To the southeast of Springfield lies a vast stretch of prairie land with large industrial farms and soybeans and corn.

The New York Times

From an aircraft you can see a vast stretch of green cane that covers much of the land.

The Economist

It is evident that the words were composed with great toil, over a vast stretch of time.

The Guardian - Books

The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest inland body of water, spanning a vast stretch of Central Asia.

The New York Times

The road took them into Dómadalur — Judgment Valley — a vast stretch of volcanic sand, with a brush of vegetation catching the light.

The New Yorker

Eventually, we will hit the Canadian Shield" — a vast stretch of Precambrian rock covered by a thin layer of soil — "and that will be the end".

The New Yorker

Much of northern Maine is like this, a vast stretch of emptiness where lakes and mountains sometimes have numbers instead of names.

The Economist

To the seaward side of the delta as a whole, there is a vast stretch of tidal mangrove forests and swampland.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earthquake and tsunami affected a vast stretch of northeastern Japan (the Tohoku region), but not every village and town was affected in the same way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast stretch" to vividly describe expansive landscapes or areas, adding impact to your descriptions. It can apply to physical spaces like "a vast stretch of desert" or more abstract concepts like "a vast stretch of time".

Common error

Avoid using "a vast stretch" in predictable or overused contexts (e.g., always with "land" or "sea"). Instead, seek fresh applications to maintain reader engagement and create a more original impact. For example, consider "a vast stretch of silence" or "a vast stretch of possibilities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast stretch" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the noun as being large, extensive, and continuous in its dimensions. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a vast stretch" is a versatile and common expression used to describe a large or extensive area, whether physical or abstract. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, showcasing its descriptive power. When using "a vast stretch", consider the context and whether a more precise or vivid alternative might better suit your needs, avoiding overuse in cliché situations. Common alternatives include "a large expanse" or "an extensive area".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large expanse

Replaces "vast" with "large" and "stretch" with "expanse", offering a slightly less dramatic tone.

an extensive area

Substitutes "vast" with "extensive" and "stretch" with "area", providing a more general description.

a broad expanse

Combines "broad" and "expanse" to highlight the width of the area.

a wide area

Uses "wide" to emphasize breadth rather than overall size, simplifying the expression.

an expansive region

Emphasizes the vastness of the area by using "expansive" and "region".

a considerable distance

Focuses on the length of the area, suitable when the linear aspect is more relevant.

a sweeping area

Emphasizes the continuous and uninterrupted nature of the area.

a great extent

Shifts the focus to the degree or scope of something rather than the physical space.

a sizable tract

Replaces "stretch" with "tract", indicating a large area of land.

a significant portion

Indicates that a large part of something is being referred to.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vast stretch" to describe any large area, such as "a vast stretch of desert", "a vast stretch of forest", or even "a vast stretch of time".

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

You can use alternatives like "a large expanse", "an extensive area", or "a wide area" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a vast stretch of time"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. The phrase can be used not only for physical locations but also for abstract concepts such as time, indicating a long duration.

What's the difference between "a vast stretch" and "a wide expanse"?

"A vast stretch" emphasizes the size and continuity of an area, while "a wide expanse" primarily highlights the breadth or width of the area. The best choice depends on what aspect you want to emphasize.