empty expanses of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty expanses of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe vast, unoccupied areas, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "The travelers gazed out at the empty expanses of the desert, feeling both awe and solitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

And conversely, the least safe places by empty expanses of concrete, unpopulated streets, conspicuous walls and barriers.

The Guardian - Arts

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

Streets and buildings emerge around them in a series of dots and lines, like the subtle brushstrokes that bring life to the empty expanses of white paper in a traditional Chinese landscape painting.

The New York Times - Books

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

If I have forgotten it, I'll keep looking pointlessly at the empty expanse of wrist.

The Guardian - Music

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

The Guardian - Travel

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

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty expanses of" to create a vivid image of desolation, solitude, or vastness in your writing. This phrase works well in descriptions of landscapes, particularly deserts, oceans, or remote areas.

Common error

Avoid using "empty expanses of" to describe urban areas unless you specifically want to highlight a sense of abandonment or decay. In most cases, other phrases like "underdeveloped areas" or "vacant lots" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty expanses of" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, typically used to modify another noun by providing details about its size, lack of occupancy, or desolation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Travel

10%

Books

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "empty expanses of" effectively conveys a sense of vast, unoccupied space, often with connotations of loneliness or desolation. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and finds common use in News & Media, Travel, and Books. While alternatives like "vast stretches of" or "barren landscapes of" exist, "empty expanses of" is best reserved for situations where you want to emphasize the emptiness and scale of the area, and avoid overuse in urban contexts. Ludwig's analysis reveals its suitability for descriptive writing aiming to create a vivid image of open, unoccupied landscapes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vast stretches of

Replaces "empty expanses" with a more common term for large areas.

barren landscapes of

Emphasizes the lack of vegetation or life in the expanses.

desolate wilderness of

Highlights the isolation and lack of human presence.

unpopulated areas of

Focuses on the absence of people in the regions.

unoccupied territories of

Implies a lack of habitation or control over the spaces.

open spaces of

A more general term for large, unbuilt areas.

vacant regions of

Suggests that the areas were once occupied but are now empty.

boundless plains of

Specifically refers to flat, expansive grasslands.

limitless horizons of

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the vastness.

uninhabited zones of

Highlights the absence of any permanent residents.

FAQs

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

The phrase "empty expanses of" is typically used to describe large, unoccupied areas. For example: "The pioneers crossed the "empty expanses of" the American West."

What are some alternatives to "empty expanses of"?

Alternatives include "vast stretches of", "barren landscapes of", or "desolate wilderness of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "empty expanse of"?

Yes, "empty expanse of" is grammatically correct when referring to a singular area. However, "empty expanses of" is used to describe multiple or vast areas.

What's the difference between "empty expanses of" and "open spaces of"?

"Empty expanses of" implies a sense of desolation or lack of activity, while "open spaces of" simply refers to unbuilt or unoccupied areas, without necessarily suggesting emptiness or loneliness.