small patch of land

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small patch of land" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific, limited area of land, often in contexts related to gardening, agriculture, or real estate. Example: "They decided to cultivate a small patch of land in their backyard to grow vegetables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Kate Bradbury gardens on a small patch of land in Brighton.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In August, Nick Paumgarten wrote about Governors Island, a small patch of land located half a mile from the southern tip of Manhattan in New York Harbor.

The New Yorker

The final weeks of the war saw thousands of fighters from the LTTE corralled into a small patch of land by the sea.

The Guardian

For years, his family had tried to retrieve a small patch of land, about 170 square yards, that had been occupied by middle-caste villagers called Gujjars.

The New York Times

But the Ulster conflict concerns two ethnic groups, each of which has an arguably valid claim to the same small patch of land.

The New York Times

We followed our guide to a small patch of land that seemed to rise from the sea, a small hill composed of nothing but low, thorny bushes.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Narrow two-story houses, with porches out front and aluminum siding on the exteriors, sit on small patches of land.

The New York Times - Sports

It's important to remember that around 70% of farmers in the world are women – often poor women in the countryside who rely on small patches of land.

The Guardian

In others women were already at work with hoelike mattocks, getting ready to plant the small patches of land when the rains came in earnest.

The New York Times - Travel

After eight hours or so up high, the route dropped sharply into a lush valley, where farmers harnessed a river to irrigate small patches of land.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But there was a loophole: small patches of land had been declared "independent" homelands, so that the government could dump unwanted black people there.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "small patch of land", consider the context to determine if a more specific term, such as "plot", "parcel", or "tract", would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "small patch of land" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "designated area" or "specified zone" would be better suited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small patch of land" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English. It describes a limited area of ground, often in contexts relating to agriculture, gardening, or real estate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small patch of land" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a limited area of ground. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in news media, business, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, it is crucial to consider the specific context and opt for more precise terms when necessary. Alternatives like "small plot of land" or "limited piece of land" offer nuanced options for conveying similar meanings. Always strive for clarity and precision in your writing by choosing the most fitting phrase for the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small plot of land

Replaces "patch" with "plot", implying a defined or measured area, often for cultivation.

limited piece of land

Uses "piece" instead of "patch", highlighting the limited size or extent of the area.

tiny area of ground

Emphasizes the diminutive size using "tiny" instead of "small" and specifies "ground" for clarity.

small tract of land

Replaces "patch" with "tract", suggesting a more formal or legal description of the land.

small parcel of land

Uses "parcel", which is commonly used in real estate to refer to a defined piece of property.

little piece of property

Substitutes "patch of land" with a more generic expression using "property" rather than "land".

modest portion of earth

Replaces "patch of land" with a more poetic expression that conveys humility and a connection to nature.

small section of terrain

Uses the term "terrain" which refers to a tract of land especially in respect to its physical features.

narrow strip of land

Focuses on the shape of the land, describing it as long and thin.

restricted land area

Highlights the limited size or restricted use of the land.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "small patch of land"?

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

Is "small patch of land" formal or informal?

The phrase "small patch of land" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, more precise terms might be preferable.

How can I use "small patch of land" in a sentence?

You might say, "She cultivated a "small patch of land" in her backyard to grow herbs", or "The refugees were confined to a "small patch of land" near the border".

What's the difference between "small patch of land" and "small plot of land"?

While both phrases refer to a limited area, "small plot of land" often implies a measured or designated area, typically for cultivation or building, whereas ""small patch of land"" can refer to any undefined small area.