scrap of land

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scrap of land" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small piece or portion of land, often implying that it is of little value or significance. Example: "They managed to buy a scrap of land on the outskirts of the city to build their new home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

It notes every scrap of land and every debt and credit he holds.

The Economist

She and some neighbors wanted to turn a scrap of land into a tiny park.

The New York Times

The Urus "never traditionally held more than a scrap of land": they fished, hunted and bartered.

The Guardian

Food production became less oil-intensive, as every possible scrap of land was exploited.

The Guardian

The scrap of land below the billboard was of no interest to the company and fell into ruin.

The Guardian

Others say they will be here forever, even after the last scrap of land is flooded over.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

So the only way to do it is to occupy these marginal scraps of land.

Independent

At issue, really, are scraps of land, places the Wilderness Society calls "too wild to drill".

The New York Times

In the meantime, the untidy little scraps of land that make up our accidental countryside are absolutely crucial, for wildlife, and for the people to whom wildlife matters.

The Guardian - Books

Storage was seen as an invincible investment and became the go-to solution for developers with awkward, leftover scraps of land.

The New York Times - Magazine

The price of property in Podgorica and elsewhere is shooting through the roof as Montenegrins sell scraps of land near the sea or ski resorts to British, Irish and Russian investors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scrap of land", consider the connotation. It often implies the land is small, perhaps unwanted, or of little value. Ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "scrap of land" when describing a sizable or valuable property. The term diminishes the scale and worth of the land.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scrap of land" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific entity: a small piece of land. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scrap of land" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a small or insignificant piece of land. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While suitable for various contexts, it's essential to consider the term's connotation, which often implies low value or unimportance. Alternatives like ""small plot of land"" or "tiny piece of property" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning and context. Its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian suggests its acceptance in formal writing, though careful consideration of the implied meaning remains crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small plot of land

Focuses on the diminutive size of the land.

tiny piece of property

Emphasizes both the small size and the ownership aspect.

small tract of land

Uses a more formal term for land area.

patch of ground

Implies a small, often undefined, area of land.

limited piece of land

Highlights the scarcity or restricted nature of the land.

small area of land

A simple and direct alternative emphasizing size.

narrow strip of land

Suggests a long, thin piece of land.

unproductive piece of land

Emphasizes the lack of fertility or usability.

worthless patch of land

Highlights the low value and quality of the land.

insignificant portion of land

Emphasizes that the amount of land is so small it has no importance.

FAQs

What does "scrap of land" mean?

A "scrap of land" refers to a small, often insignificant or unusable piece of land. The phrase typically implies that the land is of little value or importance.

How can I use "scrap of land" in a sentence?

You can use "scrap of land" to describe a small piece of property that someone owns or that exists in a particular place. For example: "They managed to buy a "small plot of land" on the outskirts of the city to build their new home."

What can I say instead of "scrap of land"?

You can use alternatives like ""small plot of land"", "tiny piece of property", or "patch of ground" depending on the context.

Is "scrap of land" a formal or informal expression?

"Scrap of land" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, be mindful of its connotation, as it implies a small and potentially insignificant piece of land.