great expanse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great expanse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, open area or a vast space, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As we stood on the cliff, we marveled at the great expanse of the ocean stretching out before us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was curious about the great expanse of the ocean.

The Washington Post

I stood and surveyed the great expanse of nothingness.

The New Yorker

Through a great expanse of glass, the sun bathes the interior in natural light.

The New York Times - Travel

All this because we seem to ignore the great expanse of water on which we depend.

Independent

Behind us we can look back and see the great expanse of American achievement.

The New York Times

"This anthology succeeds in condensing the work of an intellect defined otherwise by its great expanse".

The New York Times - Books

For the first time, the great expanse of the King's Cross stage is galvanised.

The Guardian

"It was gigantic, and suddenly a sensation flooded my veins: China, a great expanse of land and horizon.

The New Yorker

But inside, a great expanse of the courthouse is hot, even for Arizona, where "hot" is not employed lightly.

The New York Times

Some of history's greatest conquerors swept through this great expanse, among them Darius, Tamerlane, Hannibal and Saladin.

The New York Times - Arts

The world's sixth largest river in terms of discharge, the Yenisey runs from south to north across the great expanse of central Siberia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great expanse" to evoke a sense of vastness, openness, or boundlessness, particularly when describing natural landscapes, territories, or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "great expanse" when a simpler term like "large area" or "wide space" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where you want to emphasize the scale or grandeur of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great expanse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It acts to describe a large area or space, emphasizing its scale. Ludwig shows its usage in describing oceans, deserts, and abstract concepts. The phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great expanse" is a noun phrase used to describe a large and open area or space, conveying a sense of vastness and grandeur. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Alternatives like ""vast area"" or ""wide space"" can be used depending on the context. When using "great expanse", aim to describe a big location and remember not to overuse it in simple descriptions where other more concise terms are acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vast area

Focuses on the size and scope of the area.

wide space

Emphasizes the breadth and openness of the space.

broad area

Highlights the extent of the area in terms of width.

extensive region

Indicates a large and comprehensive geographic area.

immense space

Stresses the extreme size and scale of the space.

limitless field

Implies that the field has no boundaries or end.

boundless territory

Suggests that the territory is unconfined and without limits.

tremendous scope

Focuses on the magnitude and range of the area.

endless stretch

Highlights the continuous and seemingly infinite nature of the area.

expansive vista

Implies a wide and impressive view or scene.

FAQs

How can I use "great expanse" in a sentence?

You can use "great expanse" to describe a large area or space, such as "The explorers marveled at the "great expanse" of the desert" or "The "great expanse" of the ocean stretched out before them".

What can I say instead of "great expanse"?

Alternatives to "great expanse" include "vast area", "wide space", or "broad area", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "great expanse of land" or "great expanse of water"?

Yes, both "great expanse of land" and "great expanse of water" are grammatically correct and commonly used to describe large areas of land or water, respectively.

What's the difference between "great expanse" and "vast stretch"?

"Great expanse" emphasizes the size and openness of an area, while "vast stretch" emphasizes the continuous and elongated nature of the area. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.