as vast as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as vast as' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is often used to compare two things, usually to suggest that the two things are similar in size or degree. For example, "My uncle's library is as vast as the library of a university."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sound is as vast as the stakes.

The New York Times - Arts

But this year, the disparity isn't as vast as usual.

The New York Times

His greatness as vast as the continent he loved.

The Guardian

He had greatness as vast as the continent he loved.

The Guardian

The work's philosophy is as vast as its population.

Britannica

GAZETTE: The list of speakers for the convening is as vast as it is varied.

Harvard University

The difference between the sides here was as vast as the outback.

Independent

But the potential for useful use ought to be as vast as the Internet, too.

The New Yorker

The literature on Costello is as vast as the output that has inspired it.

The New Yorker

The subject of contemporary African architecture is as vast as the continent itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As vast as the crisis in Syria is, it's only one of several across the globe.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as vast as" to emphasize the immensity or scope of something being compared, creating a vivid image for the reader. For example, "The ocean of data is as vast as the sea itself."

Common error

Avoid using "as vast as" when describing concepts that are not related to size or scale. For instance, saying "His love was as vast as the universe" is acceptable, however, avoid saying things like "His influence was as vast as the universe", because influence does not directly relate to measurable scales.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as vast as" functions as a comparative, specifically used to emphasize the size, scale, or extent of something by drawing a comparison to another entity known for its vastness. This is supported by examples in Ludwig where it's used to describe things like continents, oceans, or the universe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as vast as" is a common and grammatically sound comparative used to emphasize the significant size or scope of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It appears frequently in contexts such as news, academia, and encyclopedias, denoting a neutral to formal register. When writing, use it to vividly illustrate the immensity of a subject, avoiding its misapplication to non-scalar attributes. Alternatives such as "as extensive as" or "as immense as" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember that the phrase's strength lies in its ability to create a striking comparison of scale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as extensive as

Replaces "vast" with "extensive", focusing on the comprehensive scope rather than sheer size.

as immense as

Uses "immense" to convey a sense of great size or scale, similar to "vast".

as huge as

Employs "huge" for a more informal but equally impactful comparison of size.

as expansive as

Expansive relates to the area covered, focusing on the amount of space something occupies rather than abstract scale.

as large as

A more general term for size comparison, less evocative than "vast".

as boundless as

Highlights the limitless nature of something, rather than just its size.

as wide as

Focuses on breadth or scope rather than overall size.

as immeasurable as

Emphasizes the inability to measure or quantify something, suggesting great size or complexity.

as limitless as

Focuses on the absence of limits, implying a scope that is conceptually similar to vastness.

as all-encompassing as

Highlights the comprehensiveness and inclusiveness, shifting the focus from size to coverage.

FAQs

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

Use "as vast as" to compare the scale or size of something to something else that is known to be very large. For example, "The amount of information on the internet is "as vast as the ocean"."

What are some alternatives to "as vast as"?

You can use alternatives such as "as extensive as", "as immense as", or "as huge as" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "as vast as" in formal writing?

Yes, "as vast as" is suitable for formal writing. It's a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, ensure that its use is appropriate for the context.

Which is correct, "as vast as" or "so vast as"?

"As vast as" is the more common and generally preferred construction. "So vast as" is grammatically correct but less frequently used in modern English.