arid plot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arid plot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrative or storyline that lacks excitement, interest, or emotional depth. Example: "The novel's arid plot left many readers feeling unsatisfied and disengaged from the characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

History has dealt an awkward hand to both camps, throwing together on a tiny, arid plot of land two peoples that have suffered mightily through the ages and that have reason today to be wary of one another.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For some these words reflect perfectly the unsustainable naivety that allowed this semi-arid plot of land to turn itself into a fool's paradise of swimming pools and golf courses.In this section Where will you go, Bill de Blasio?

The Economist

Others think they can find places sufficiently remote to manage the risk of cross-contamination to wild plants - in irrigated plots in arid regions across southern Spain or Africa, for example.

The Guardian

True Detective's aerial shots capture the most decrepit parts of the region: miles and miles of metal, warehouses and abandoned plots sprawling through arid valleys.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

City leaders, cheered on by aggressive developers, had hoped to turn Ordos into a Chinese version of Dubai — transforming vast plots of the arid, Mongolian steppe into a thriving metropolis.

The New York Times

This chapter provides a complex and nuanced description of the most recent set of reforms which allows for re-privatization of the communal ejido lands, but suggests there is little incentive to privatize these tiny plots of mostly arid lands as they are clearly not viable units for production.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Scattered throughout the image are many agricultural plots, distinct in such an arid and mountainous region, which also features various rocky formations.

The Guardian

Rainfall runoff behaviour was far more erratic than reported for plot studies and rainfall simulations in other semi-arid regions, demonstrating that plot scale results cannot be extrapolated to design water harvesting systems.

Journal of Arid Environments

Changes in surface duff carbon and soil carbon in arid land ecosystems tend to be highly variable and most easily quantified by plot scale measurements.

Carbon Balance and Management

We compiled datasets on impacts of land use and land cover change on groundwater recharge rates and surface runoff for tropical, sub-tropical, and Mediterranean semi-arid regions from peer-reviewed journals, thereby considering catchment as well as plot studies.

Ecological Processes

Using data collected from 887 tropical forest plots, we show that maximum water deficit, defined across the most arid months of the year, is an important predictor of canopy structure, with all three canopy attributes declining significantly with increasing water deficit.

Forest Ecosystems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arid plot" to describe land, ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of water and vegetation. Consider using more descriptive alternatives like "barren land" or "desolate landscape" for emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "arid plot" metaphorically if the intended meaning is simply "boring" or "uninteresting". While dryness can symbolize lack of excitement, ensure the connection is clear. Alternatives like "dull narrative" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arid plot" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, where "arid" modifies the noun "plot". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in describing physical locations as well as metaphorical scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arid plot" is grammatically sound and primarily serves to describe a dry, infertile piece of land, often with implications of barrenness or lack of productivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. While most frequently encountered in news, media, and scientific contexts, its metaphorical applications are less common but still valid. When used metaphorically, consider alternative phrasing for clearer communication. To enrich your writing, consider related terms like "barren land" or "desolate landscape" to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barren land

Focuses on the lack of vegetation and productivity of the land.

dry patch

Emphasizes the lack of moisture in a specific area.

infertile ground

Highlights the inability of the land to support growth.

desolate landscape

Shifts focus to the overall bleakness and emptiness of the scene.

unfruitful territory

Emphasizes the lack of yield or positive outcomes from the land.

sterile area

Indicates a lack of life or productivity, often in a scientific context.

unproductive soil

Specifically refers to the quality of the soil and its inability to grow crops.

parched earth

Implies a severe lack of water and a state of intense dryness.

lifeless terrain

Highlights the absence of living organisms and vitality.

stark environment

Focuses on the harshness and simplicity of the surroundings.

FAQs

What does "arid plot" mean literally?

Literally, "arid plot" refers to a small piece of land that is dry and infertile, typically lacking sufficient water for vegetation to thrive.

Can "arid plot" be used metaphorically?

Yes, metaphorically, "arid plot" can describe a situation, narrative, or idea that is uninteresting, unproductive, or lacking in emotional or intellectual stimulation. However, it's less commonly used that way.

What are some synonyms for "arid plot" when referring to land?

Synonyms include "barren land", "dry patch", "infertile ground", or "desolate landscape".

Is it correct to use "arid plot" to describe a boring story?

While possible, it's less common. Using alternatives like "dull narrative" or "uninspired storyline" might be clearer and more effective in conveying the lack of excitement or interest.