patch of dirt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patch of dirt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small area of soil, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The children played in the patch of dirt behind the house, digging for worms and building small forts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The family tilled the patch of dirt for decades, growing rice to subsidize their meager incomes.

The New York Times

We pulled into a clearing, a patch of dirt, at the base of the mountains.

The New York Times - Magazine

Half-built condos sit isolated in a patch of dirt, cut off from the road.

The New York Times

To appease the park officials, the match was moved to a nearby patch of dirt.

The New York Times - Sports

"It beats the patch of dirt that had been there," Mr. Diaz said.

The New York Times

"I thought it was a patch of dirt," he said afterwards.

The Guardian - Sport

Renewal letters never reached her patch of dirt she calls home.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sun leaves the last patch of dirt at 4 P.M.

The New Yorker

Last weekend, some dozen little houses appeared on a big patch of dirt and trampled grass in Colorado Springs.

The New Yorker

"Look," he said, pointing at a patch of dirt that had been scratched clean of leaves and snow.

The New York Times

Get over your quest for sterility, and dip your toe into that little bitty patch of dirt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patch of dirt" to describe a small, often unkempt or undeveloped area of ground. It's suitable for informal contexts and descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "patch of dirt" in formal or professional writing where a more precise term like "area of soil" or "plot of land" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patch of dirt" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to a specific, usually small, area of bare ground or soil. Ludwig examples show its use in describing locations or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "patch of dirt" is a common noun phrase used to describe a small, often unkempt area of ground. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, primarily in news and media sources. While its usage is generally neutral to informal, more precise terms may be preferred in formal or scientific writing. Alternative phrases, such as "area of soil" or "plot of land", can offer a more formal tone when needed. The phrase serves a descriptive purpose, helping to visualize and contextualize specific locations in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

area of soil

Replaces "patch" with a more generic term for area, and "dirt" with a more technical term for soil.

plot of earth

"Plot" suggests a more defined or intentional area, while "earth" is a slightly more formal term for dirt.

piece of ground

Simple substitution of words to convey a similar meaning, focusing on the physical space.

small clearing

Implies a cleared area within a larger landscape, suggesting a more natural setting.

bare spot

Focuses on the lack of vegetation, suggesting a neglected or worn area.

dusty area

Highlights the dry and potentially barren nature of the area.

grassy knoll

Suggests a small, elevated area covered in grass, a more specific type of "patch of dirt".

section of land

A more formal and general way to describe a portion of ground.

barren ground

Emphasizes the infertility or lack of growth in the specified area.

bit of soil

Uses more casual language to denote a small amount of earth or dirt.

FAQs

How can I use "patch of dirt" in a sentence?

You can use "patch of dirt" to describe a small area of bare ground, as in, "The children were playing in a "patch of dirt" near the garden."

What's a more formal alternative to "patch of dirt"?

More formal alternatives include "area of soil" or "plot of land", depending on the specific context and the level of detail required.

Is "patch of dirt" appropriate for scientific writing?

In scientific writing, it's generally better to use more precise terms like "soil sample" or "test plot", as "patch of dirt" is considered informal.

What does "patch of dirt" typically imply?

A "patch of dirt" often implies a small, uncultivated, or perhaps neglected area of ground, unlike a garden or well-maintained lawn.