dirt patch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dirt patch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small area of land that is covered in dirt, often lacking vegetation or in a state of disrepair. Example: "The children played in the dirt patch behind the house, making mud pies and digging for worms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It's basically a big dirt patch, a dust bowl," Ms. Jankowski said.

The New York Times

They play on a dirt patch 50 feet from Parkside Avenue, amid cigarette butts and rusted beer caps.

The New York Times

At the clubhouse, a wooden roof covers a dirt patch with a wooden picnic table and benches where players sip cans of beer.

The New York Times

Less care and nuance are paid to the performances than to the design, which includes large rotating set pieces and a dirt patch (designed by Anna Kiraly).

The New York Times

Mr. Burke and a friend started to drive away but were blinded by smoke and returned to a dirt patch nearby to wait out the fire.

The New York Times

In the small border town of Holtville, California, in the dirt patch at the back of Terrace Park cemetery lie the remains of scores who died en route.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The photographs depict nothing much -- curbside views, the side of a building, snow-covered streets, dirt patches, a strip mall.

The New York Times

But as Marques rode this winter, he and his huskies trudged over dirt patches and bramble, surrounded by tree branches that once held fluffy snow.

The New York Times - Sports

After he arrived, he spent years exploring the local fight scene, which typically consisted of a few locals gathering on dirt patches and practicing on old punching bags.

The New Yorker

The Eagles, who share Veterans Stadium with baseball's Phillies, use large squares of turf to cover the areas surrounding infield dirt patches.

The New York Times - Sports

At the house where my parents live in Washington, there was a telltale sign of summer in the late 1960s and early '70s: two dirt patches interrupted the lawn behind the tall magnolia that leaned like the Tower of Pisa in the middle of our backyard.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dirt patch", consider the context. It often implies a lack of vegetation or upkeep, so ensure that meaning aligns with your intended description.

Common error

Avoid using "dirt patch" in overly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "unpaved area" or "soil surface" if greater specificity is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dirt patch" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific, usually small, area characterized by exposed soil. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dirt patch" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a small area of bare earth, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently used in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal register. While generally acceptable, more precise terms may be preferred in formal or scientific writing. Related phrases include "bare ground" and "muddy area". It's essential to consider the context and intended tone when using this descriptive phrase. In short, "dirt patch" effectively conveys a specific image, making it a valuable term in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bare ground

Emphasizes the lack of vegetation or covering on the ground, making it plain and exposed.

muddy area

Highlights the presence of mud, implying wetness and possibly messiness in the described area.

earthy spot

Focuses on the natural composition of the area, suggesting a connection to the soil and earth.

unpaved ground

Indicates the absence of artificial paving, emphasizing the natural state of the surface.

soil bed

Highlights the area's potential for planting or gardening, suggesting a prepared or designated space.

dusty surface

Draws attention to the presence of dust, implying dryness and a lack of recent moisture.

clay ground

Refers specifically to ground composed of clay, highlighting its texture and composition.

loam area

Refers specifically to ground composed of loam, highlighting its texture and composition.

ground area

Simply refers to a plot of land.

patch of land

A generic way of indicating a specific, small portion of earth.

FAQs

How can I describe a "dirt patch" in more formal language?

Consider using terms like "unpaved area", "exposed soil", or "area of bare earth" for a more formal tone.

Is "dirt patch" appropriate for scientific writing?

In scientific contexts, it's better to use precise terms like "soil horizon", "disturbed soil area", or "denuded ground" depending on the specific situation.

What is the difference between a "dirt patch" and a "garden plot"?

A "dirt patch" generally refers to a bare or unkempt area of soil, while a "garden plot" is a cultivated area intended for growing plants.

What are some descriptive words to use with "dirt patch"?

You can use adjectives like "barren", "dusty", "small", "neglected", or "compacted" to add more detail to your description of a "dirt patch".