substantial expanse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial expanse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large area or extent of something, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The park featured a substantial expanse of green grass, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The comb-over, his decades-long insistence on combing his hair across a substantial expanse of cranium, is history.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The carrier's flight deck resembled the busiest of airports, as if the substantial traffic and activity at O'Hare or LaGuardia were compressed onto a 2-acre expanse of concrete surrounded by a 52-foot cliff.

Huffington Post

"It's a huge expanse.

The New York Times

"I like the open expanse.

The New York Times

Most obvious is sheer territorial expanse.

The Economist

Very substantial?

The New York Times

Lovely big expanse of blue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a short book that feels more substantial, because Ollikainen (who lives in the north of the country, and so presumably has some personal investment in its history) shows us the white expanses, and follows the trudging figures with pitiless fidelity, as they slowly move from one starving, hovel-ridden village to the next.

The Guardian - Books

Substantial, municipal.

The Guardian - Books

Substantial effectiveness?

The New York Times

"Not just substantial, but going beyond substantial".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial expanse" when you want to emphasize both the size and importance or impact of an area. It suggests something that is not only large but also significant in some way.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "substantial expanse" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "large area" or "big space" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial expanse" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "expanse". The phrase describes a large and significant area or extent of something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Substantial expanse" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a large and significant area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid expression, although its use is relatively rare. It's most commonly found in News & Media, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, consider whether a simpler alternative like "large area" or "extensive space" might be more appropriate for the context. The phrase carries the connotation of both size and importance, making it suitable when both aspects are relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive area

Replaces 'substantial' with 'extensive', emphasizing the size of the area.

considerable space

Uses 'considerable' instead of 'substantial', focusing on the amount of space.

great extent

Uses a more general term for 'expanse', referring to the degree to which something reaches.

significant spread

Replaces 'expanse' with 'spread', highlighting the distribution over an area.

sizeable stretch

Emphasizes the length or duration across an area.

vast region

Substitutes both words to convey a large geographical area.

large tract

Focuses on a piece of land that is of considerable size.

broad scope

Shifts the context to a non-physical area, implying a wide range or extent.

wide territory

Highlights the area of land under jurisdiction.

imposing area

Adds a sense of grandeur or impressiveness to the size of the area.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial expanse" in a sentence?

"Substantial expanse" is used to describe a large area that is also significant in some way. For example, "The park featured a substantial expanse of green grass".

What are some alternatives to "substantial expanse"?

You can use alternatives like "extensive area", "considerable space", or "vast region" depending on the context.

Is "substantial expanse" formal or informal?

"Substantial expanse" leans towards formal usage. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "large area" or "big space" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "substantial expanse" and "large area"?

While both describe size, "substantial expanse" implies a sense of significance or importance in addition to the size, whereas "large area" simply refers to the physical dimensions.