desolate areas

USAGE SUMMARY

"desolate areas" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to isolated or barren regions that are lacking in people, resources, or vegetation. Example: The explorer ventured into the desolate areas of the desert, where the scorching sun beat down on the lifeless sands.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The Tories call them inhabitants of desolate areas.

The Economist

Even in the most desolate areas of American cities, evictions used to be rare enough to draw crowds.

The New Yorker

It passes through several desolate areas of the city and has vast stretches without any traffic lights for miles.

The New York Times

The peer, who lives in southern England, said: "But there are large and uninhabited and desolate areas.

The Guardian

Most of the Earth's surface is uninhabited by humans, so meteorites usually fall over desolate areas or the oceans.

The Guardian

The city committed $5 billion to build affordable housing in these desolate areas with the aim of revitalizing the communities.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

They were relocated to an even more desolate area, where some died of cold and hunger.

The New Yorker

Women keep turning up dead in a desolate area of Texas.

The New York Times

Today, it is the Sahara — a desolate area larger area than Australia.

The New York Times

The body was found about 9 25 p.m. in a desolate area near the Belt Parkway, investigators said.

The New York Times

WOODSTOCK, Vt .— The last time I left the safety of marked roads was in a desolate area of Baja California.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical environments, use "desolate areas" to vividly convey a sense of emptiness, abandonment, and lack of life. Enhance your description by combining it with sensory details, such as the sound of wind or the sight of cracked earth.

Common error

Avoid using "desolate areas" merely as a synonym for "empty". "Desolate" carries a connotation of sadness, abandonment, and often, environmental harshness. If the primary characteristic is simply emptiness without these negative connotations, consider alternatives like "open spaces" or "undeveloped land".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desolate areas" primarily functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "desolate" attributes a quality of abandonment, emptiness, and often harshness to the noun "areas". Ludwig confirms its proper and common use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desolate areas" effectively describes regions characterized by a lack of human presence, activity, and resources. Grammatically correct and commonly used, as Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjective-noun phrase, painting a vivid picture of emptiness and abandonment. While versatile, it's important to consider the connotations of "desolate" – implying sadness and harshness – and choose alternative phrases like "uninhabited regions" or "abandoned places" if a more neutral tone is desired. Usage is frequent in news and media, while less common in formal business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desolate landscapes

Similar meaning, focusing on the landscape aspect.

uninhabited regions

Specifically refers to areas where people do not live.

barren landscapes

Emphasizes the lack of vegetation and life in the described location.

bleak landscapes

Conveys a sense of sadness and dreariness in addition to emptiness.

isolated locations

Highlights the remoteness and lack of contact with other places.

remote territories

Highlights the distance and inaccessibility of the areas.

abandoned places

Focuses on the human element of being left behind or unused.

empty expanses

Focuses on the vastness and lack of features in the location.

forsaken lands

Implies a sense of abandonment and being forgotten.

godforsaken places

Adds a strong emotional charge, suggesting the place is undesirable and neglected.

FAQs

How can I use "desolate areas" in a sentence?

You can use "desolate areas" to describe regions that are sparsely populated and lack signs of life. For example, "The explorers faced harsh conditions in the "desolate areas" of the Arctic."

What are some synonyms for "desolate areas"?

Some synonyms for "desolate areas" include "barren landscapes", "uninhabited regions", and "abandoned places". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "desolate areas" to describe a city?

While technically correct, using "desolate areas" to describe a city might be misleading. It implies a complete lack of life and activity. Terms like "depressed areas" or "blighted neighborhoods" may be more appropriate to describe urban decay.

What is the difference between "desolate areas" and "rural areas"?

"Rural areas" refers to sparsely populated regions, usually agricultural. "Desolate areas" emphasizes a lack of life, activity, and resources, implying a negative condition. A rural area isn't necessarily a "desolate areas" and vice versa.