geographical area

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "geographical area" is correct and is commonly used in spoken and written English.
This phrase can be used when referring to distinct regions of land such as countries, states, provinces, cities, etc. For example: "Portugal lies on the Iberian Peninsula, a geographical area in southwestern Europe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They live in the same geographical area".

The New Yorker

Worshipers come from a wide geographical area.

The New York Times

They were also raised in a pretty tight geographical area.

The New York Times

Which geographical area do you most identify with?

The Guardian

Anti-American attacks have occurred in a limited geographical area.

The Economist

Under EU law, PGI foods must be "produced or processed or prepared within the geographical area".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One particularly useful Web site is www.earlymusic.org.uk, which lists concerts by geographical area each month.

The New York Times - Travel

Targeting should be done by reference to time, geographical area or named persons.

The Guardian

At the moment, the Booker's greatest fiction is the geographical area it claims to represent.

The Guardian - Books

It is always fun to see a focused group of paintings on a geographical area.

The New York Times

Based in Brighton, I have a large geographical area to cover – London and the south-east.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "geographical area" in formal writing and reports when precision is required. In casual conversation, shorter alternatives like "region" or "area" may suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "geographical area" interchangeably with terms that have specific meanings, such as "biome" or "watershed". Ensure the term accurately reflects the type of area being discussed to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "geographical area" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It defines a specific region or location, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "They live in the same geographical area" or "Targeting should be done by reference to time, geographical area or named persons."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "geographical area" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase for defining a region or location. According to Ludwig, the phrase appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. To ensure clarity, specify boundaries and features, and avoid overlapping with more specific terms. Consider using alternative phrases like "geographic region" or "territorial zone" based on the context to enhance precision and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Geographic region

A slightly more formal synonym, emphasizing regional characteristics.

Region

A general term for an area, potentially defined by geographical or cultural characteristics.

Territorial zone

Emphasizes boundaries and control within the area.

Territory

Implies ownership or control over a specific area.

District

Implies an area defined for administrative or political purposes.

Zone

Suggests an area defined by specific characteristics or regulations.

Landmass

Refers to a large area of land, often a continent or large island.

Environmental zone

Highlights the environmental or ecological characteristics of the area.

Locality

Refers to a smaller, more specific area.

Vicinity

Refers to the surrounding area or neighborhood.

FAQs

How can I use "geographical area" in a sentence?

You can use "geographical area" to describe regions of land with common characteristics. For example: "The study focused on a specific "geographical area" in the Amazon rainforest."

What are some alternatives to "geographical area"?

Some alternatives include "geographic region", "territorial zone", and "environmental zone", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "geographical area" and "region"?

"Geographical area" is a broad term for an area of land. "Region" is similar but often implies cultural or political significance in addition to geographic location.

Is it more appropriate to use "geographic" or "geographical"?

Both "geographic" and "geographical" are correct. "Geographic" is slightly more common in American English, while "geographical" is more common in British English, but both are acceptable.