sprawling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sprawling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is spread out over a large area or is extensive in size or scope. Example: "The sprawling cityscape was filled with towering skyscrapers and vast parks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A car is a must for exploring this somewhat sprawling island, and handy for picking up groceries to cook in the cottage kitchens – taking taxis will put a good dent in your budget.

The Guardian - Travel

These were fortified settlements, established by various rulers between the 11th and 17th centuries, now swallowed by the sprawling city of today.

The Guardian

Along the western flank of the city are the first towers of the Jabal Omar development, a sprawling complex that will eventually accommodate 100,000 people in 26 luxury hotels – sitting on another gargantuan plinth of 4,000 shops and 500 restaurants, along with its own six-storey prayer hall.

The Guardian - Arts

"You can't take photographs here," insisted the guard in front of the sprawling mansion built by the president, by far the grandest building in the village.

The Guardian

La Moma is a sprawling Belle Époque-mansion that Peter Larsen and Valérie Arboireau have converted into a bohemian cultural centre that houses its own ateliers, artist workshops, a performance space and two funky B&B rooms.

The Guardian - Travel

Rains and Jones both cleared off the line, Bennett missed badly from close range and in the last five seconds a Coventry header bounced off the sprawling Roffey's chest, but Sutton held out for their glory.

The Guardian - Sport

The visitors continued to press, and when Austin's shot was beaten away by Fielding, Chris McCann's attempt to get to the rebound was thwarted when he was sent sprawling by James Bailey.

The Guardian - Sport

Companies are competing for a slice of the £73bn decommissioning market in the UK, with the clean-up of the sprawling Sellafield site representing at least half this sum.

The Guardian - Business

At the Longreach School of Distance Education the next day parent after parent calls in from stations sprawling 900km apart from Winton to Quilpie, all with the same complaint – distance education is impossible because the very expensive satellite internet services constantly fail.

The Guardian

Loved by teenagers, it has become one itself: yet in the 16 years of its existence, it hasn't once offered players the chance to experience its sprawling scenery and high-octane thrills as a female character.

The Guardian - Tech

Monster Bar, which dominates the hotel's sprawling lobby, confidently treads the line between refined and relaxed, focusing just as much on locally roasted coffee as it does on locally sourced wine.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical spaces, use "sprawling" to convey not only size but also a sense of unorganized expansion or spread. For example, "a sprawling garden" suggests more than just a large garden; it implies a garden that spreads out naturally and perhaps without strict boundaries.

Common error

Avoid using "sprawling" in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise term like "extensive" or "large-scale" might be more appropriate. "Sprawling" can sometimes imply a lack of control or organization, which may not be the intended connotation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sprawling" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their expansive and often irregular form. It emphasizes the extent of something across a wide area, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Travel

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Business

7%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sprawling" functions primarily as an adjective, used to describe something that extends widely, often in an irregular or disorganized manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage, particularly within News & Media, Travel and Sport contexts. While generally neutral in tone, writers should consider more precise alternatives like "extensive" or "large-scale" in formal settings. The term effectively conveys a sense of scale and distribution, enriching descriptions with a visual image of expansion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive

Focuses on the reach or scope of something, often emphasizing its inclusiveness or thoroughness.

expansive

Highlights the capacity to increase or broaden, suggesting growth and openness.

wide-ranging

Emphasizes the variety and diversity encompassed within something.

far-reaching

Indicates significant and widespread effects or implications.

broad

Suggests a general and comprehensive nature, lacking specific details.

large-scale

Implies a significant size or magnitude, often in terms of projects or operations.

widespread

Highlights the common occurrence or distribution of something across a population or area.

comprehensive

Stresses the completeness and thoroughness of something, covering all aspects.

extensive

Emphasizes the great amount or degree of something.

vast

Implies immense size or scope, often suggesting something limitless.

FAQs

How is "sprawling" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "sprawling" is used as an adjective to describe something that spreads out in an irregular or extensive way. For example, "a sprawling city" or "a sprawling estate."

What are some alternatives to using "sprawling"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "extensive", "expansive", or "wide-ranging".

Is it correct to use "sprawling" to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "sprawling" can be used to describe abstract concepts, but it's more common when describing physical spaces. For instance, you might refer to "a sprawling bureaucracy", but be mindful of the connotation of disorganization.

How does the connotation of "sprawling" differ from that of "large" or "big"?

"Sprawling" suggests not just size, but also a sense of something spreading out, often in an irregular or uncontrolled manner. "Large" or "big" simply refer to size without implying the same pattern of expansion.