a vast swath of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast swath of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large area or a significant portion of something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The new policy will affect a vast swath of the population, particularly those in low-income brackets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stacks of hats line a vast swath of shelves.

The New York Times

This carves out a vast swath of activities that are subject to federal regulation.

Cornell University

That leaves a vast swath of the well-to-do needing, if not wanting, more service.

The New York Times

It's a riveting account of a vast swath of history with which few Americans are familiar.

The New Yorker

For a vast swath of southeast Texas, there may be more trouble in the days ahead.

The New York Times

Mental illness, on the other hand, afflicts a vast swath of the country.

The New York Times - Magazine

Searchers across a vast swath of Texas and Louisiana have recovered 8,110 pieces of debris.

The New York Times

When it comes to public perception, a vast swath of Muirfield's members couldn't care less.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, the affected area covers a vast swath of the country, from north to south.

The New York Times

The document ultimately forced the tribe, which once dominated a vast swath of Montana, onto a smaller reservation.

The New York Times

Later, as a United States Border Patrol agent, he guarded a vast swath of rough terrain just across from Mexico.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast swath of" to emphasize the size or scale of something, especially when describing land, populations, or abstract concepts. It adds a sense of magnitude and scope to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast swath of" in casual or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a lot of" or "many" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast swath of" primarily functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a large and extensive portion or area. It's commonly used to emphasize the scale or scope of something, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast swath of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a large portion or area, commonly found in news and media and academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides many examples. While it effectively conveys scale, avoid overuse in very informal contexts. Consider alternatives like "a large segment of" or "a wide range of" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extensive area of

Stresses the considerable size and reach of the designated space.

a broad expanse of

Emphasizes the extensive nature of the area, focusing on its openness.

a massive section of

Highlights the scale and impact of a specific section.

a wide stretch of

Highlights the length and unbroken nature of the area or concept.

a large segment of

Focuses on a significant portion of a group or population.

a significant part of

Underscores the importance and relevance of the portion being discussed.

a considerable portion of

Emphasizes that the part being referred to is substantial and noteworthy.

a substantial amount of

Shifts the focus to quantity, implying a significant quantity or volume.

a great extent of

Highlights the degree to which something exists or applies.

a sweeping range of

Implies coverage across many different things or areas.

FAQs

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

Use "a vast swath of" to describe a large area, a significant portion, or a wide range. For example, "A vast swath of land was affected by the flood", or "a vast swath of the population disagrees with the new law".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a large segment of", "a wide range of", or "a considerable portion of depending on the context".

Is "a vast swathe of" the same as "a vast swath of"?

"A vast swathe of" is a British English spelling variant of "a vast swath of". Both phrases have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably, depending on your audience.

What kind of situations would "a vast swath of" be appropriate for?

The phrase "a vast swath of" is particularly fitting when you want to highlight the scale or extent of something impacted by an event, decision, or characteristic. It can be used when describing territory, people, ideas or influence.