chunk of territory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chunk of territory" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a specific area or region of land, usually with distinct borders or boundaries. Example: The country's armed forces have reclaimed a significant chunk of territory that was previously controlled by rebel groups.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Small as it conventionally sounds, Rhode Island is still a fairly large chunk of territory.

The New York Times

Congress had also carved an enormous chunk of territory out of western Utah to form the new Nevada Territory.

The New York Times

The watershed line deprived Quebec of a large chunk of territory that it felt was rightfully hers.

The New York Times

If "supporting the independent Ukrainian state" means chopping off a chunk of territory, then, yes, Russia did nicely.

The Guardian

But that has changed dramatically over the past 18 months, since the Colombian government gave a chunk of territory to the F.A.R.C.

The New York Times

Mr. Kayle, who uses the screen name John I, and his fellow Freedonians hope to purchase a chunk of territory in Somaliland and establish a libertarian enclave.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

As in Somalia, jihadists held large chunks of territory.

The Economist

South and west of Mogadishu the extremists still control large chunks of territory.

The Economist

"It appears the insurgents are now operating in larger chunks of territory," the official continued.

The New York Times

Even if Mr. Assad were to step down voluntarily, his Alawite military machine and its sectarian allies are likely to fight on, holding large chunks of territory.

The New York Times

It seems that the Shabab, who have lost several chunks of territory in the past few months, are regrouping to some degree.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chunk of territory", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the size and significance of the land area being discussed. For clarity, specify the location or governing body of the "chunk of territory".

Common error

While "chunk of territory" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal or academic writing can make your writing sound less precise. Consider using more specific terms like "region", "district", or "area" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chunk of territory" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its use in describing areas seized, controlled, or ceded, fitting the grammatical function of a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chunk of territory" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a significant area of land, often with implications of control or strategic importance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. While grammatically correct, avoid overuse in formal writing by considering more precise alternatives. For clarity, always specify the location or governing body of the "chunk of territory". Overall, it's a versatile phrase that effectively communicates the idea of a sizable land area in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

area of land

Focuses on the physical space rather than its political or strategic importance.

region of land

Emphasizes geographical boundaries rather than possession or control.

portion of territory

Emphasizes that it's part of a larger, pre-existing territory.

tract of land

Implies a larger, often undeveloped piece of land.

swathe of territory

Highlights the breadth or scope of the land area affected or controlled.

expanse of land

Highlights the vastness or breadth of the land area.

parcel of land

Often used in legal or real estate contexts to denote a defined property.

piece of land

Refers to a general and unspecified area, possibly smaller in size.

section of land

Suggests a division or portion of a larger area.

segment of land

Indicates a defined part or portion of land.

FAQs

How can I use "chunk of territory" in a sentence?

You can use "chunk of territory" to describe a significant area of land, such as "The rebels seized a large chunk of territory near the border."

What are some alternatives to "chunk of territory"?

Alternatives include "area of land", "region of land", or "tract of land", each with slightly different connotations.

Is "chunk of territory" formal or informal?

"Chunk of territory" is generally considered neutral but leans slightly towards informal. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "region" or "area".

What does "chunk of territory" usually refer to?

It typically refers to a portion of land, often one that has been taken over or controlled by a particular group or entity, or a significant region with distinct characteristics.