as expansive as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as expansive as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the extent or range of something to another, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The universe is as expansive as our imagination allows it to be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The promise of spaces as expansive as your imagination.

The New York Times

The view was as expansive as the seat.

The New York Times

Frucht's Midwestern mysticism is as expansive as her plot.

The New York Times - Books

The science of evolution is as expansive as nature itself.

The Guardian

The news media's definition of irrelevance is as expansive as its attention span is short.

The New York Times

Beckett was not as expansive as Lester on Sunday, but for him, he was contrite.

The New York Times - Sports

As expansive as the view was, the State House was nowhere in sight.

The New York Times

Eisenstein made of it a lyric poem, as calm and as expansive as Potemkin had been violent and compact.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As expansive as Mr. Wiseman's film is, the average observer might still reasonably ask: where's the beer?

The New York Times

As expansive as it may have been in some respects, this neoclassic ideal of virtuous citizenship was also scandalously limited.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the form of an explanation for what has happened the past two weeks, that was about as expansive as Coughlin would get Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as expansive as" to effectively compare the scale, scope, or range of something, especially when emphasizing a sense of vastness or comprehensiveness. For example, "Her knowledge of the subject was "as expansive as" the library itself".

Common error

Avoid using "as expansive as" when a simpler comparison of size or quantity would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Instead of saying "The garden was "as expansive as" my backyard" consider "The garden was as big as my backyard".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "as expansive as" is as a comparative conjunction. It serves to draw a comparison between the extent or scope of two things, highlighting how one mirrors the other in terms of breadth or vastness. Ludwig examples confirm this function by showing the usage in comparing physical spaces, abstract concepts, and even personal attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as expansive as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative conjunction that helps to illustrate the vastness or comprehensiveness of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears prominently in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to use this phrase thoughtfully, avoiding overuse when simpler comparisons suffice. Exploring related phrases, like "as extensive as" or "as widespread as", can further enrich your writing. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, writers can harness the power of "as expansive as" to effectively convey scale and scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as extensive as

This alternative highlights the breadth or reach of something, similar to "as expansive as".

as widespread as

This phrase emphasizes the common occurrence or distribution of something, akin to a broad expanse.

as comprehensive as

This alternative focuses on the completeness or thoroughness of something, implying a wide scope.

as substantial as

This phrase suggests a significant amount or size, similar to the magnitude implied by "as expansive as".

as large as

This is a more direct and simple comparison of size or quantity.

as huge as

Emphasizes the great size or extent of something, comparable to "as expansive as".

as ample as

This alternative suggests a generous or abundant quantity, relating to a wide scope or expanse.

as spacious as

This phrase highlights the roominess or openness of something, comparable to the feeling of a wide expanse.

as wide as

A more literal comparison of width or breadth.

as broad as

Similar to 'as wide as' but can also refer to the scope of something abstract.

FAQs

How can I use "as expansive as" in a sentence?

The phrase "as expansive as" is used to compare the scope, range, or extent of something to another. For example, "The possibilities were "as expansive as" the universe itself", suggesting limitless potential.

What are some alternatives to "as expansive as"?

You can use alternatives like "as extensive as", "as widespread as", or "as comprehensive as" depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

Is it correct to say "as expansive like" instead of "as expansive as"?

No, the correct comparative structure is "as expansive as". Using "like" instead of "as" is grammatically incorrect in this context. "As" functions as a conjunction to make the comparison.

What's the difference between "as expansive as" and "as broad as"?

"As expansive as" often implies a sense of vastness or comprehensiveness, while "as broad as" can refer to a wide range or scope. While they can be used interchangeably in some contexts, "as expansive as" is generally used to emphasize scale.