an airfield

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an airfield" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific area of land where aircraft can take off and land, typically smaller than an airport. Example: "The pilot skillfully navigated the plane to land on the airfield, which was surrounded by lush green fields."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

La Vega has an airfield.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is an airfield nearby.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There also is an airfield.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It also has an airfield.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is a military centre, with an airfield.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is an airfield to the east-northeast.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The men trained at an airfield in Tuskegee, Ala.

The New York Times

The third showed a line of helicopters parked on an airfield in Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

In an airfield in Russia I met a man who told me about his divorce.

The New Yorker

It has an airfield and is the base of operation for a major interstate bus company.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The town has a trade school, coffee-processing plants, wood and construction industries, and an airfield.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location for aircraft, consider the scale and facilities available. Use "an airfield" for smaller, less equipped locations, and "an airport" for larger, more comprehensive facilities.

Common error

Avoid using "an airfield" when referring to a major commercial aviation hub. "Airfield" suggests a smaller, often less developed facility than a full-fledged airport.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an airfield" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific area of land where aircraft can take off and land. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

48%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an airfield" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase referring to a plot of land where aircraft can take off and land. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans multiple registers, with common occurrences in news media and encyclopedic content. While often interchangeable with terms like ""an airstrip"" or "an airport", it's important to note that "an airfield" usually implies a smaller, less equipped facility. When writing, use "an airfield" to convey a clear, concise description of the location while also being mindful of the context and intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a landing strip

Focuses specifically on the area used for landing aircraft.

an airstrip

Similar to a landing strip, but may imply a more basic or less developed facility.

an airport

A larger and more comprehensive facility than an airfield, typically with terminals and other amenities.

a flight field

Emphasizes the area used for flying activities.

an aviation field

Highlights the aviation-related activities taking place at the location.

a military airbase

Specifically refers to an airfield used for military operations.

a runway

Focuses on the paved surface used for takeoff and landing.

a tarmac

Refers to the paved area where aircraft park, load, and unload.

a flight zone

General term for an area designated for flying activities.

an aerodrome

A more formal or technical term for a location where aircraft operate.

FAQs

How is "an airfield" different from "an airport"?

An "airport" typically includes terminals, hangars, control towers, and other facilities that an "an airfield" might lack. An airfield is generally smaller and may have fewer amenities.

What's another way to say "an airfield"?

Alternatives include "a landing strip", "an airstrip", or "a flight field", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "an airfield" in formal writing?

Yes, "an airfield" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It's a descriptive term that clearly identifies a specific type of location. The register (formality) of usage depends more on the source itself.

Can "an airfield" be used to describe a military base?

Yes, but "a military airbase" is more precise if the airfield is primarily used for military operations.