empty expanse of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty expanse of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a vast, open area that lacks any significant features or objects, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As we stood on the cliff, we gazed out at the empty expanse of the ocean stretching endlessly to the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

When I climbed underneath its edge, all I could see was a dim, empty expanse of scaffolding.

The Guardian

We often stared at maps together, and I'd wonder about the huge, empty expanse of Mauritania west of Niger.

The Guardian - Travel

In ancient Roman architecture the pilaster gradually became more and more decorative rather than structural, as it served to break up an otherwise empty expanse of wall.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Suddenly the empty expanse of browning grass and thorny bushes gave way to a bustling temporary town of gaudy cloth tents, grass mats and cattle.

The Economist

As time went on, she says, the mood of the All Saints neighbourhood came to be defined by the empty expanse of land at its heart.

The Guardian - Business

What was an empty expanse of rust-colored sand just over two years ago is now a town-size industrial plant.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Yet this image of empty expanses of orderly grass proved attractive to corporate America when, in the second half of this century, big businesses moved their headquarters from the cities to the suburbs.

The Economist

4km from Carvalhal and Amália beaches A group of low-slung white buildings surrounded by the empty expanses of the Alentejo, Cerca do Sul has seven rooms, including one family room, all opening on to the terrace.

The Guardian - Travel

Reaching the Chamois valley, I had my papers checked briefly at a military checkpoint, before driving on into the increasingly empty expanses of Lebanon's north-east, my destination for the next few days.

The Guardian - Travel

To its east and west are empty expanses of shoreline where small boats can come in close to shore and ferry those waiting to larger boats outside the coastal waters.

The Guardian

The empty expanses of the West become a nightmarish landscape, relieved only by the occasional outcropping of native-grown oddness: motel night clerks, irate traveling salesmen, aggressively folksy Wyoming state troopers -- small David Lynchesque touches that keep us in a state of anxious amusement while we await the noisy, bloody climax.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty expanse of" when you want to evoke a sense of vastness and desolation. This phrase is particularly effective in descriptive writing, where it helps create a vivid image of a large, unoccupied area.

Common error

Avoid using "empty expanse of" in technical or scientific writing where precise measurements or data are required. Opt for more specific and quantifiable descriptions instead to maintain clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty expanse of" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically acting as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It often describes a physical space, as shown in Ludwig's examples like "empty expanse of scaffolding" or "empty expanse of land".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "empty expanse of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for vividly portraying large, unoccupied spaces. Ludwig AI indicates that its primary function is descriptive, aiming to evoke feelings of vastness or desolation. While versatile, it is most appropriately used in news, media, and travel writing, with a neutral register. When using the expression, be mindful of its atmospheric implications and avoid overuse in technical contexts. For alternatives, consider options like "vast stretch of" or "barren landscape of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense emptiness of

Directly uses 'emptiness' to describe the area, emphasizing its lack of content.

vast emptiness of

Emphasizes the scale of the emptiness.

vacant stretch of

Replaces 'expanse' with 'stretch', focusing on the linear dimension of the empty area.

barren landscape of

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

desolate space of

Highlights the loneliness and emptiness of the area.

open void of

Uses 'void' to convey a sense of emptiness and lack.

limitless void of

Conveys a sense of boundlessness and nothingness.

broad nothingness of

Replaces 'expanse' with 'nothingness', stressing the absence of anything significant.

unfilled area of

Focuses on the lack of occupation or content within the space.

unpopulated terrain of

Highlights the absence of people or inhabitants in the area.

FAQs

How can I use "empty expanse of" in a sentence?

You can use "empty expanse of" to describe large, open areas lacking significant features. For example, "The astronaut gazed at the "empty expanse of" space" or "The desert was an "empty expanse of" sand and rock".

What are some alternatives to "empty expanse of"?

Alternatives include "vast stretch of", "barren landscape of", or "desolate space of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "empty expanse of" in formal writing?

Yes, "empty expanse of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when used in descriptive or narrative contexts. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall style.

What kind of imagery does "empty expanse of" create?

The phrase "empty expanse of" typically evokes imagery of vastness, desolation, and a lack of significant features or activity. It suggests a large, open area that is unoccupied and potentially lonely or barren.