barren tract

USAGE SUMMARY

"barren tract" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a piece of land that has a dry or rocky, infertile surface. For example: "The family traveled through a long, barren tract of desert before reaching their destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Its periphery of limestone and sand ridges encloses an almost barren tract of land.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She and her sister, Margot, were among three thousand six hundred and fifty-nine women transported by cattle car from Auschwitz to the merciless conditions of Bergen-Belsen, a barren tract of mud.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Still, there is no escaping the large, barren tracts a few blocks away, cleared since the 1970s.

The New York Times

Certainly all of the grazing areas were overgrazed, thus contributing to the formation of the present widespread barren tracts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Farther east the Rohi, or Cholistan, is a barren desert tract, bounded on the north and west by the Hakra depression with mound ruins of old settlements along its high banks; it is still inhabited by nomads.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While the plains immediately adjoining the Cauvery river have been under cultivation from time immemorial, most of Thanjavur city and the surrounding areas lie in the "New Delta" – a dry, barren upland tract which has been brought under irrigation during the early 19th century.

Wikipedia

PROFILE of the Pine Barrens, a large tract of wilderness in central & southern N.J., and the inhabitants of the place.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, November 25 , 1967P. 67 PROFILE of the Pine Barrens, a large tract of wilderness in central & southern N.J., and the inhabitants of the place.

The New Yorker

By John McPhee The New Yorker, November 25 , 1967P. 67 PROFILE of the Pine Barrens, a large tract of wilderness in central & southern N.J., and the inhabitants of the place.

The New Yorker

The space between my parents' bodies is large like a vacant room, a vast tract of barren land.

The New York Times

PROFILE of the Pine Barrens a large underdeveloped tract in the south-central part of N.J.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a landscape as a "barren tract", provide specific details about what makes it so. For example, mention the lack of vegetation, the type of soil, or the climate conditions.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "barren tract" too frequently in figurative or metaphorical contexts. While it can be effective in certain situations, overuse can diminish its impact. Consider using more specific and evocative language to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barren tract" functions primarily as a descriptive term, used to characterize a particular area of land. As Ludwig AI indicates, it effectively describes a place lacking vegetation and fertility. Examples show it used in both literal and slightly metaphorical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barren tract" is a descriptive phrase used to characterize landscapes lacking vegetation and fertility. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct. The phrase appears most frequently in news articles, encyclopedias, and wiki entries, indicating a neutral register. To enhance your writing, remember to provide specific details when describing a "barren tract" and avoid overuse in figurative contexts. Alternatives like "infertile land" or "desolate landscape" can offer nuance. The usage analysis shows its function is primarily descriptive, aiming to convey the starkness of a landscape.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infertile land

Focuses specifically on the inability of the land to support growth.

unfruitful ground

Similar to "infertile land" but can also be used metaphorically.

desolate landscape

Emphasizes the feeling of emptiness and abandonment associated with the area.

unproductive terrain

Highlights the lack of yield or output from the land.

arid region

Specifically refers to a region characterized by dryness and lack of rainfall.

impoverished landscape

Highlights the poor quality and lack of resources in the environment.

wasteland

Suggests a completely unusable and often damaged area.

bleak territory

Conveys a sense of hopelessness and lack of potential in the area.

empty expanse

Emphasizes the vastness and lack of features in the area.

stark environment

Highlights the harsh and unwelcoming nature of the surroundings.

FAQs

How can I use "barren tract" in a sentence?

You can use "barren tract" to describe a landscape that lacks vegetation or fertility. For example, "The family traveled through a long, "barren tract" of desert."

What are some alternatives to "barren tract"?

Some alternatives to "barren tract" include "infertile land", "desolate landscape", and "wasteland", depending on the specific context.

Is "barren tract" a formal or informal phrase?

"Barren tract" is a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it's more commonly found in descriptive or expository contexts.

What kind of places can be described as a "barren tract"?

Areas that can be described as a "barren tract" include deserts, rocky landscapes, overgrazed fields, or any area where plant life is scarce or nonexistent due to poor soil conditions or climate.