swaths of land

USAGE SUMMARY

"swaths of land" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, you can use it to describe large areas of land covered by a single type of feature, such as vegetation or a particular topography. For example: "The landscape was filled with swaths of land, dotted with trees and small ponds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Pakistan, large swaths of land sit under floodwaters.

The New York Times

(According to the township's historical society, several swaths of land were originally owned by William Penn).

The New York Times

Let others improve' — snatched up great swaths of land in the city, including the Bowery.

The New York Times

Industrial solar and wind projects also require long swaths of land for power lines.

The New York Times

Contact was now limited to the heads of municipalities responsible for huge swaths of land.

Yale University

But growing crops for fuel takes up wide swaths of land.

The New York Times - Science

The regulations would apply to large swaths of land identified in the state's master planning map.

The New York Times

Swaths of land have been allocated to foreign companies for oil palm plantations.

The Guardian

There are large swaths of land here that haven't burned in more than a decade.

The Guardian

The state shutdown left unemployment, large swaths of land and decaying buildings.

The New York Times

Democratic land reform has a different problem:  buying large swaths of land at market price is too costly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swaths of land" to vividly describe large, continuous areas, especially when emphasizing their characteristics or how they are used or affected.

Common error

While "swaths of land" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "tracts of land" or "expanses of land" to maintain variety in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swaths of land" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes extensive areas, as Ludwig AI points out, conveying a sense of size and scope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science & Research

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "swaths of land" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, denoting large areas of land. As highlighted by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news and academic contexts. When writing, consider synonyms like "tracts of land" or "expanses of land" to avoid repetition. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, avoid overuse in overly formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in written English, making it a reliable choice for describing extensive land areas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tracts of land

Synonymous and interchangeable, though "tracts" may subtly emphasize legal or ownership aspects.

stretches of land

"Stretches" emphasizes the continuous or elongated nature of the land area.

expanses of land

"Expanses" highlights the vastness and openness of the land.

areas of land

A more general term, lacking the vivid imagery of "swaths".

parcels of land

"Parcels" suggests division or allocation, implying distinct units.

plots of land

"Plots" often refers to smaller, designated areas, such as for building or gardening.

regions of land

"Regions" implies larger geographical or political divisions.

territories of land

"Territories" often carries connotations of ownership, control, or conflict.

segments of land

"Segments" suggests parts of a larger whole, with a focus on division.

land areas

A direct and neutral alternative, less descriptive than "swaths of land".

FAQs

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

The phrase "swaths of land" typically describes large, continuous areas. For example, "Wildfires consumed large "swaths of land" in California."

What can I say instead of "swaths of land"?

You can use alternatives like "tracts of land", "stretches of land", or "expanses of land", depending on the specific context.

Is "swathes of land" also correct?

No, the correct spelling is "swaths of land". "Swathe" (with an 'e') refers to a strip or area, but in this context, "swaths" is the appropriate plural form of "swath."

What is the difference between "swaths of land" and "areas of land"?

"Swaths of land" often implies a continuous or relatively uniform area, whereas "areas of land" is a more generic term without that implication.