an extensive tract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extensive tract" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large area of land or a significant expanse of something, often in a formal or descriptive context. Example: "The conservation project aims to protect an extensive tract of forest that is home to many endangered species."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He contributed a tract on fasting to Tracts for the Times in 1834, and a year later he wrote for the series an extensive tract on baptism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In an report, released on Monday, the delegates recommended that the proposal could go ahead, subject to extensive environmental conditions including a plan to minimise the impact on Aboriginal heritage sites and an extensive tract of dinosaur footprints.

The Guardian

The Eurasian steppe, occupying an extensive tract of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia, is in many ways very similar to the prairie of North America and hence harbours many similar plants and animals.

Britannica

Amhlaíbh and his descendants were the lords of Faslane and an extensive tract of land along the Gare Loch.

Wikipedia

Lt. Broughton observed its peak while at Belle Vue Point of what is now called Sauvie Island during his travels up the Columbia River, writing, "A very high, snowy mountain now appeared rising beautifully conspicuous in the midst of an extensive tract of low or moderately elevated land [location of today's Vancouver, Washington] lying S 67 E., and seemed to announce a termination to the river".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

One of these, a 78.8-kb long exchange that replaces pbp2x as well as an extensive upstream tract, caused the serotype switch characteristic of clade 19A-βLS.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Among the differentiated regions, we also noticed an extensive chromosomal tract spanning over 24 contiguous windows on GGA5 that harbors the Delta-like protein 1 (DLK1) gene (max Fst = 0.91, P = 0.00004).

Genome Biology and Evolution

As the most prominent opponents of potentially lucrative oil development in this extensive tract of land, the couple continue to face risks.

The Guardian

An extension to Golden Grove would require the acquisition of extensive tracts of private property, in the absence of an available corridor.

Wikipedia

Mr. Zar, the son of a land dealer who purchased extensive tracts of land for construction of Jewish settlements, had been seriously wounded in a previous shooting attack, but had recovered and returned to work.

The New York Times

It may teach them to prefer civil, social, and religious advantages, with a small farm and old land, to the loss of them all with extensive tracts of woods and a more fertile soil.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extensive tract" when you want to emphasize both the size and the continuous nature of an area or body of something. It's particularly suitable for describing land, texts, or abstract concepts that cover a lot of ground.

Common error

Avoid using "an extensive tract" to describe something small or fragmented. This phrase implies a continuous and substantial area, so it's unsuitable for things that are limited in scope or consist of disparate parts.

Linguistic Context

An extensive tract functions as a noun phrase, where "extensive" modifies "tract". It serves as a descriptor, identifying a significant expanse or area. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable. The examples in Ludwig showcase its use in describing land, chromosomal regions, and philosophical writings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive tract" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a large area or expanse, whether physical or abstract. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its usage is observed in diverse contexts, including science, encyclopedias, and news. While not frequently used, it offers a precise way to convey the size and continuity of what is being described. Remember to avoid using it in contexts involving small or fragmented areas. Consider alternatives like "a large expanse" or "a vast area" for simpler expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large expanse

Focuses on the breadth of the area, less emphasis on its specific qualities.

a vast area

Emphasizes the immense size of the area.

a wide stretch

Implies a continuous, broad expanse.

a considerable region

Highlights the significant size and importance of the area.

a sprawling territory

Suggests an area that spreads out irregularly.

a broad swathe

Implies a wide strip or area.

an expansive zone

Highlights the open and unbounded nature of the area.

a substantial parcel

Focuses on the size and completeness of a land division.

a significant domain

Emphasizes control or influence over a large area.

a sweeping vista

Emphasizes the visual aspect of a vast landscape.

FAQs

How can I use "an extensive tract" in a sentence?

You can use "an extensive tract" to describe a large area of land, a body of text, or even an abstract idea that covers a lot of ground. For example, "The novel explores "an extensive tract" of human history."

What are some alternatives to "an extensive tract"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a large expanse", "a vast area", or "a wide stretch", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an extensive tract" instead of "a large area"?

"An extensive tract" is particularly appropriate when you want to emphasize the continuous and substantial nature of the area being described. "A large area" is more general, while "an extensive tract" suggests a more cohesive whole.

Is "an extensive tract" a formal or informal phrase?

"An extensive tract" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "a big area" or "a large space" might be more appropriate.