barren field

USAGE SUMMARY

'barren field' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large, empty space, usually seen in nature, that has little or no vegetation. For example, "The farmer surveyed the barren field before him, not knowing what to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

There's a nearly barren field where a federal technical school was supposed to open.

The New York Times

As the afternoon field detention continued, curious passersby watched from the pavement and from the shanties bordering the barren field.

The New York Times

I drove the roads I thought would get me there but ended up on the edge of a barren field.

The New Yorker

It was a shame that "Wolf" had to morph, halfway through, into a horror film, because horror, like war, was a barren field to Nichols.

The New Yorker

As she steps out of her building and looks across a parking lot and a barren field, the still impressive hulk of the old theater faces her.

The New York Times

These things will reappear in Wonderland, which is a series of cramped rooms, suddenly opening onto a barren field where a painted stage backdrop hides more cramped rooms.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Irresponsible logging replaces rich ecosystems with barren fields.

The New York Times - Science

They set off before dawn, traveling through barren fields, thick fog and snow.

The Washington Post

He pointed to the barren fields; he said you couldn't even grow peanuts on them anymore.

The New York Times

African farmers can afford only a fraction of the fertilizers needed to replenish their increasingly barren fields.

The New York Times

Ground forces arrived by helicopter to secure the area, destroy any surviving plants, and pacify the farmers, many of whom left their barren fields for the city.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a landscape, use "barren field" to effectively convey a sense of emptiness, lack of life, or abandonment. This is particularly effective in creative writing or environmental reports.

Common error

Avoid using "barren field" too figuratively if a more precise metaphor exists. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, consider alternatives that capture the specific nuance you aim to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barren field" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as a descriptive element within a sentence. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement, conveying a specific image of a landscape lacking vegetation or productivity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science & Research

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barren field" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a landscape lacking vegetation or productivity. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and general media, with a neutral register. While synonyms like "infertile land" or "desolate landscape" exist, "barren field" specifically emphasizes the visual emptiness. When using this phrase, be mindful of overuse in metaphorical contexts and aim for precision in your descriptions to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infertile land

Focuses on the soil's inability to support growth, rather than the visual aspect.

unfruitful soil

Like 'infertile land', this centers on the soil's inability to produce crops.

sterile ground

Stresses the inability of the soil to produce life.

desolate landscape

Emphasizes the loneliness and emptiness of the area.

arid plain

Implies a dry, flat area with little vegetation.

bleak terrain

Conveys a sense of harshness and unwelcoming conditions.

unproductive land

Highlights the lack of agricultural output.

wasted land

Highlights the unused and neglected state.

empty expanse

Focuses on the vastness and lack of features.

empty lot

Similar, but often implies an urban or suburban context rather than a natural one.

FAQs

How to use "barren field" in a sentence?

You can use "barren field" to describe a landscape lacking vegetation, such as "The farmer surveyed the "barren field", wondering if rain would ever come".

What can I say instead of "barren field"?

You can use alternatives like "infertile land", "desolate landscape", or "unproductive land" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "barren field" or "infertile field"?

Both "barren field" and "infertile field" are grammatically correct, but "barren field" emphasizes the visual appearance of emptiness, while "infertile field" focuses on the soil's inability to support plant growth.

What's the difference between "barren field" and "empty field"?

"Barren field" implies a lack of vegetation or life, suggesting infertility or neglect. "Empty field" simply means the field is not currently occupied or in use, without necessarily implying a lack of fertility or life.