expanse of sea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expanse of sea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, open area of ocean or sea, often evoking a sense of vastness or beauty. Example: "As we sailed further from the shore, we were surrounded by an endless expanse of sea, stretching out to the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Describing a large area of the ocean

Referring to maritime regions in geographical or historical contexts

Used in literature and travel writing to evoke a sense of vastness

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Its calculations could only define a broad expanse of sea.

The Guardian

Indeed, its role in the history of civilisation has "far surpassed [that of] any other expanse of sea".

The Economist

Behind you an impossibly green hill curves down to an endless expanse of sea crashing against the shore.

The Guardian - Travel

Cai proves the creative potency of horizontally oriented sequential explosions, along the ground or, in one case, across an expanse of sea.

The New Yorker

Culture Bridge A three-month feast of culture, stretching across two countries and an expanse of sea, begins on Friday in Denmark and Sweden.

The New York Times - Arts

She shoots many of her films using an anamorphic lens, which doubles the width of the frame, allowing her to take in an expanse of sea, say, or a herd of cows, without having to pan.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Australia, which has sent an official to France to help examine the flaperon, has said the find will not affect its sonar search of a 120,000-square-kilometer (46,000-square-mile) expanse of seabed more than 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) east of Reunion Island.

Independent

The robots being developed here can potentially be made cheap and expendable, and capable of being deployed in large numbers to cover vast expanses of sea.

The Guardian - Tech

For example they liked to go to the beach, where expanses of sea, shore and sky would inspire paintings of unprecedented immediacy.

The New York Times

The undifferentiated expanses of sea induce claustrophobia, while the few square feet available for manoeuvre inside the kayak must be pushed to contain all life and thought.

The Guardian - Books

There were vast expanses of sea purslane, which is really juicy and saline and great with fish and seafood, or a crispy duck egg.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expanse of sea" to create a sense of vastness or boundlessness in descriptions. It's particularly effective in travel writing or settings where the ocean is a dominant feature.

Common error

Avoid using "expanse of sea" in overly simplistic or mundane contexts. It's a powerful phrase, and overuse can dilute its impact. For simple descriptions, consider alternatives like "the ocean" or "the sea".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expanse of sea" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly describes a large, open area of ocean. The phrase acts as a subject, object, or complement within sentences, describing a particular feature or area of the ocean.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expanse of sea" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that evokes a sense of vastness and boundlessness, as stated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, as well as descriptive contexts, it serves to describe large areas of the ocean. Alternatives like "vast ocean" and "wide sea" offer similar meanings, while understanding subtle differences with related terms like "seascape" is key to precise usage. By considering both best practices and common errors, writers can effectively leverage this phrase to enhance their descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Expanse of ocean

Interchanges 'sea' with its broader term 'ocean'.

Expanse of the ocean

Adds the article 'the' for specificity.

Vast ocean

Emphasizes the immense size of the ocean.

Track of sea

Synonymous alteration with neutral connotation

Stretch of sea

Synonymous alteration with neutral connotation

Wide sea

Highlights the breadth of the sea.

Open sea

Focuses on the lack of obstruction in the sea.

Great body of water

Uses a more descriptive and literary term for a large water area.

Marine extension

This alternative uses "extension" to mean a continuous area.

Seascape

Refers to the view/landscape of the sea.

FAQs

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

You can use "expanse of sea" to describe large areas of the ocean, for example: "The ship sailed across the vast "expanse of sea", heading towards the horizon."

What are some alternatives to "expanse of sea"?

Some alternatives to "expanse of sea" include "vast ocean", "wide sea", or "open sea". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "expanse of sea" or "expanse of ocean"?

Both "expanse of sea" and "expanse of ocean" are correct. "Ocean" is generally broader, while "sea" may refer to a specific, defined area of the ocean. The choice depends on context.

How does "expanse of sea" differ from "seascape"?

"Expanse of sea" refers to a large area of the ocean itself, while "seascape" refers to a view or landscape of the sea. One describes the physical space, the other the visual scene.