expanse of sky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expanse of sky" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a wide, open sky with nothing obstructing the view, such as a desert landscape or a beach. For example, "The night sky was filled with stars, stretching across the vast expanse of sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The wide expanse of sky also serves to signal that "Carousel" has other concerns — cosmic concerns.

The New York Times

But my eyes went immediately to the expanse of sky and ocean.

The New York Times - Travel

A walk on the shore presents a new perspective; the expanse of sky and the sea improve the child's mood.

The New York Times - Books

August used to seem like part of the summer steppe — an unbroken expanse of sky and grass.

The New York Times

His paintings have a lonely atmosphere: little clapboard houses clinging to the rolling dunes, under a huge expanse of sky.

The Guardian - Travel

Finally, curving east we reached the mouth of the creek and the sudden expanse of sky at Trinity Buoy Wharf.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Come nightfall, expanses of sky are touched with a dramatic, though faint, glow.

The New York Times

The unending distance between towns, the unfathomable stretch of land between you and the horizon, the vast expanses of sky.

The New York Times - Travel

Shot on location, the film continually shifts scales between cosmic and domestic: weather-beaten, shore-hugging buildings set against the expanses of sky and sea.

The Guardian

Much of Crawford's hard-edge imagery -- ships, bridges, docks, cargo, dams, hoisting machinery, vast expanses of sky and water -- relates to the sea and other aquatic bodies.

The New York Times - Arts

Graphics and hand-drawn animations gave the directors the ability to pan beyond Cheesebridge, shooting wide expanses of sky, horizon, clouds and even crowds.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expanse of sky" to emphasize the vastness and openness of the sky, especially in descriptions of landscapes or natural settings. It evokes a sense of freedom and boundlessness.

Common error

Avoid using "expanse of sky" in descriptions of densely populated urban areas where the view of the sky is often limited or obstructed. In such contexts, consider using phrases like "patch of sky" or "glimpse of sky" to more accurately reflect the limited visibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expanse of sky" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence to describe the visual characteristic of a large area of the sky. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s usable in written English, typically describing a wide, open sky.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expanse of sky" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a wide, open sky, particularly in natural settings. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, often evoking feelings of freedom and boundlessness. Its primary use is descriptive, conveying vastness and scale, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for various contexts, it is best used when the sky's size and openness are key features of the scene. Related phrases include "vast sky", "endless sky", and "boundless sky", which offer similar but nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vast sky

Emphasizes the size and scope of the sky.

endless sky

Highlights the seemingly limitless nature of the sky.

limitless sky

Similar to 'endless sky', stressing the lack of boundaries.

boundless sky

Focuses on the sky having no limits or constraints.

open sky

Draws attention to the unobstructed view of the sky.

wide open sky

Combines the concepts of openness and breadth.

immense sky

Stresses the great size and scale of the sky.

sweeping sky

Suggests a broad and continuous view of the sky.

unobstructed view of the sky

Highlights the lack of obstacles in seeing the sky.

panoramic sky

Implies a wide, all-encompassing view of the sky.

FAQs

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

You can use "expanse of sky" to describe a wide, open view of the sky, such as "The desert landscape offered an unobstructed view of the vast "expanse of sky"".

What are some alternatives to "expanse of sky"?

Alternatives include "vast sky", "endless sky", or "boundless sky", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "expanse of the sky"?

While grammatically sound, "expanse of sky" is more common and generally preferred. The addition of "the" doesn't significantly alter the meaning, but it can sound slightly less natural.

What imagery does "expanse of sky" typically evoke?

The phrase "expanse of sky" often evokes imagery of freedom, openness, and the grandeur of nature, suggesting a sense of limitless space and possibility.