swath of trees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swath of trees" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large area or expanse of trees, often in the context of discussing landscapes, forestry, or environmental topics. Example: "As we hiked through the forest, we were amazed by the swath of trees that stretched as far as the eye could see."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Dr. Wilber compared the procedure to cutting down a swath of trees to prevent a forest fire from spreading.

The New York Times - Health

And while the farms are mostly gone, a broad swath of trees still nestles the valley, and the mountains beyond look just as he painted them.

The New York Times

Before heading back downstream, I looked through the bridge and across to the west bank, where a green swath of trees dominates the view — just as it does in the painting.

The New York Times

A swath of trees has been cleared, an abandoned house is going to be razed and a housing complex for the elderly will go up at a site along Route 9A in northern Ardsley.

The New York Times

A rolling 1,500-acre swath of trees, barracks and sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, it is overseen by the Presidio Trust, a federal agency charged with simultaneously preserving and redeveloping its historic buildings.

The New York Times - Arts

These parks, which stretch from the front of Borough Hall almost all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River, constitute a nearly continuous greenbelt, a 150-yard-wide, half-mile-long swath of trees, grass and benches — in theory, a perfect oasis from the hubbub of downtown Brooklyn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Great swaths of trees are dead or dying after being attacked by the mountain pine beetle and a disease called white pine blister rust.

The New York Times

But its use is causing more harm than good, environmental groups say, because companies slash and burn huge swaths of trees to make way for palm oil plantations.

The New York Times

The main concentration of cases of ash dieback – which has wiped out swaths of trees in the rest of Europe – are in mature ancient forests in East Anglia, along the coast where easterly winds arrive from Scandinavia.

The Guardian

Fulfilling the long-held fears of city officials and arborphiles, the Asian longhorned beetle, a voracious insect that has threatened vast swaths of trees in New York, Chicago and Europe, has for the first time surfaced among the prized maples of Central Park.

The New York Times

Around the beginning of the 20th century, large swaths of trees were chopped down and hundreds of miles of drainage canals were installed in the wetlands, partly so that Florida's farmers could move south and avoid winter freezes further north.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environmental impact or deforestation, "swath of trees" can effectively convey the scale of destruction or alteration of landscapes.

Common error

Avoid using "swath of trees" in highly technical or scientific reports where a more precise measurement (e.g., hectares of forest) would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swath of trees" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a significant and often visually striking area dominated by trees, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples that frequently appear in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "swath of trees" is a grammatically correct and descriptive noun phrase used to portray a large area dominated by trees. Ludwig AI indicates that its purpose is to vividly illustrate the scale of forested landscapes, and it often appears in neutral contexts, such as news articles and environmental discussions. While versatile, it's best to avoid its usage in highly technical contexts where precision is key. Related phrases include "expanse of trees" and "stretch of forest". Overall, "swath of trees" effectively conveys the visual impact of a forested region.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expanse of trees

Replaces "swath" with "expanse", focusing on the wideness of the area covered by trees.

area of woodland

Uses "woodland" to specify the type of area, implying a natural, forested region.

belt of trees

Suggests a long, narrow area of trees, like a belt stretching across the landscape.

stretch of forest

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the forested area.

tract of timberland

Highlights the commercial aspect of the forest, referring to it as a source of timber.

block of woods

Implies a compact, defined area of trees.

cluster of trees

Suggests a grouping of trees, though potentially less extensive than a "swath".

stand of trees

Refers to a group of trees of a similar type or age, managed as a unit.

forest landscape

More general term, referring to the overall visual appearance of a forested area.

wooded area

A broader term indicating an area covered with trees, lacking the emphasis on size.

FAQs

How can I use "swath of trees" in a sentence?

You can use "swath of trees" to describe a large area covered by trees. For example, "The fire destroyed a wide swath of trees in the national park".

What's a good synonym for "swath of trees"?

Alternatives include "expanse of trees", "stretch of forest", or "belt of trees" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "swath of trees" in formal writing?

Yes, "swath of trees" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing landscapes or environmental issues. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and precision required by the piece.

What is the difference between "swath of trees" and "forest area"?

"Swath of trees" implies a wide or extensive area covered by trees, whereas "forest area" is a more general term without the same emphasis on size or shape. A "forest area" might not necessarily be a "swath of trees".