vast swaths

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast swaths" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to large areas or sections of something, often used to describe a wide range or diversity. Example: "The wildfire burned through vast swaths of the forest, leaving behind destruction and devastation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Vast swaths?

The New York Times

Scientists have known for years of vast swaths of frozen ice on Mars.

The New York Times - Science

Cities including Vienna to Munich and Copenhagen have closed vast swaths of streets to car traffic.

The New York Times

The gowns, vast swaths of baby-yellow polyester, added an insulating and sweat-inducing layer.

The New York Times - Health

Once, acacias covered vast swaths of Somalia's south and central regions; today, the forests are devastated.

The New York Times

Vast swaths of its south remain ruled by tribal councils and bandits.

The New York Times

Since then, BOB has lost vast swaths of in-game territory and remains on the defensive.

The New York Times - Arts

Russia's campaign against Chechen extremists made vast swaths of Grozny uninhabitable, and Chechen militants moved elsewhere.

The New Yorker

Because information is so tightly controlled, vast swaths of life in North Korea remain a mystery.

The Guardian

Rebels and bandits roam freely through vast swaths of the country, making roads impassable.

The New York Times

It's scary to think Facebook's intentionally isolating vast swaths of the country".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vast swaths" to describe large areas or proportions, particularly when emphasizing the scale or extent of something, like "vast swaths of the countryside".

Common error

Avoid using "vast swaths" too frequently in highly formal or academic writing, where more precise terminology might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "extensive regions" or "significant portions" for a more nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast swaths" functions as a modifier + noun construction, where "vast" intensifies the size or extent of the "swaths". As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and commonly used expression. The word swath refers to a wide strip or area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vast swaths" is a common and correct way to describe large areas or portions, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news and media to emphasize the scale of something, but should be used cautiously in formal contexts where greater precision may be required. Related phrases like "extensive regions" or "significant portions" can serve as alternatives. The phrase is grammatically sound and widely understood, making it a useful tool for conveying the magnitude of areas or quantities. While it appears mostly in News and Media, scientific and formal contexts also utilize this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive regions

Replaces "swaths" with "regions" for a geographical emphasis.

large expanses

Substitutes "swaths" with "expanses", highlighting open, broad areas.

broad areas

Uses "areas" instead of "swaths", offering a more general term for space.

significant portions

Replaces "swaths" with "portions", focusing on parts or shares of something.

considerable tracts

Uses "tracts" instead of "swaths", suggesting specific areas of land or territory.

wide stretches

Substitutes "swaths" with "stretches", implying continuous expanses.

substantial segments

Replaces "swaths" with "segments", highlighting divisions or sections.

extensive sections

Uses "sections" instead of "swaths", focusing on distinct parts of a whole.

large segments

Substitutes "swaths" with "segments", focusing on parts or shares of something.

broad sections

Uses "sections" instead of "swaths", offering a more general term for space.

FAQs

How can I use "vast swaths" in a sentence?

The phrase "vast swaths" is used to describe large areas or portions of something. For example, "vast swaths of land" were affected by the flood, or "vast swaths of the population" supported the new policy.

What are some alternatives to "vast swaths"?

Some alternatives to "vast swaths" include phrases like "extensive regions", "large expanses", or "significant portions", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "vast swaths" in formal writing?

While "vast swaths" is generally acceptable, it may be better to use more precise or formal alternatives in highly academic or professional contexts. Consider using phrases like "extensive regions" or "substantial segments" instead.

What does "vast" mean in the context of "vast swaths"?

In the phrase "vast swaths", "vast" emphasizes the immense or great size of the areas or portions being described. It underscores the scale and extent of something, making it clear that a significant amount is involved.