stretch of land

USAGE SUMMARY

"stretch of land" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large, usually continuous area of land, such as a field or a desert. For example, "The settlers had to cross a long stretch of land to reach the nearest town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Linked to the rest of the country only by a "chicken's neck" stretch of land 22km wide, the region is isolated, poor and different.

The Economist

If you're a dog, any stretch of land with a few trees is a rest area.

The New York Times

All of it is river, except for a 12.5km stretch of land.

The Economist

The Butovo shooting-range is a haunted stretch of land at the southern edge of Moscow.

The Economist

Next: a desolate stretch of land the fire department uses for practice burns.

The New York Times

Abkhazia is a lush, mountainous stretch of land that hugs the Black Sea.

The New York Times

On the way, Sathy stopped at an open stretch of land.

The New York Times

"It's an amazing stretch of land and I'm sure the founders understood that from the beginning," Westwood said.

The New York Times - Sports

This stretch of land, the spinal column of Old World civilization, is Europe's richest sea and land interface.

The New York Times

Any open stretch of land is strewn with sharp shards of timber, some stabbed into the ground like daggers.

Independent

They are made using a string of wooden beehives hanging on wires across a stretch of land.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stretch of land" to describe a continuous area of land, especially when emphasizing its length or size. For example, "The highway crossed a vast stretch of land."

Common error

Avoid using "stretch of land" in metaphorical or abstract contexts. It primarily refers to a physical area, so using it to describe time or abstract concepts can be confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stretch of land" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It describes a physical area and, according to Ludwig, is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stretch of land" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a continuous area of land. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. Analysis reveals its primary function is descriptive, offering a clear visualization of geographical areas across news, encyclopedias and scientific sources. While it's suitable for both formal and informal communication, avoid metaphorical uses. Alternatives like "tract of land" or "strip of land" can offer nuance depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tract of land

Emphasizes a defined area or portion of land, often for a specific purpose.

strip of land

Suggests a long, narrow area of land.

expanse of land

Highlights the broad, open nature of the land area.

area of land

A more general term for a region or zone of land.

parcel of land

Implies a piece of land that is being considered as a unit, often for sale or development.

plot of land

Refers to a small area of land intended for a specific use, such as gardening or building.

region of land

Indicates a larger geographical area with specific characteristics.

terrain

Focuses on the physical characteristics of the land, such as its elevation and features.

territory

Emphasizes ownership or control over the land.

swathe of land

A broad area, similar to "expanse", but can also imply a path or cut through the land.

FAQs

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

You can use "stretch of land" to describe a continuous area of ground. For example, "The farmer owned a long stretch of land by the river."

What are some alternatives to "stretch of land"?

Alternatives include "tract of land", "strip of land", or "expanse of land", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "stretch of land" in formal writing?

Yes, "stretch of land" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and descriptive phrase commonly used in various contexts, including news reports and academic papers.

What is the difference between "stretch of land" and "piece of land"?

"Stretch of land" implies a continuous and often expansive area, while "piece of land" usually refers to a smaller, discrete segment, like a "plot of land".