veld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veld" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in contexts related to geography or ecology.
It is typically used to refer to open, uncultivated land, especially in southern Africa, and can describe grasslands or fields. Example: "The wildlife roamed freely across the vast veld, showcasing the beauty of the natural landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nature crept back, like the veld grass, to restate her original claim.

The Economist

One of those uncontrollable veld fires, said the police.All that time he fought to hold on.

The Economist

The Portuguese legacy adds what I imagine to be a similar sunny, against-the-odds, Latin disposition.I'm here because Maputo is apparently a favoured weekend-break destination from South Africa, with many making the trek from the veld to go diving, and to devour copious prawns, washed down with icy lager.

The Economist

Or a puffback from the South African veld, with its loose grey feathers and eyes of flint.Born in a small mining town east of Johannesburg after the Boer war, Nadine Gordimer was a child of empire.

The Economist

They stole the irrigation pumps and tractors he'd used to turn his 3,000 acres of veld into mango and citrus groves so lush that he had become the leading grower in Zimbabwe, selling his fruit to Marks & Spencer in England.

The Economist

Her body was found in the veld with condoms, bottles and sticks around it; the whole community was shocked.

The Economist

How quickly the heat leaves the day on the veld.

The Economist

The golden arches have not yet marched out of South Africa's three big cities and across the veld.

The Economist

But that with which you work, it is perhaps wise to know, and if nothing else, my employer's august name tends to open doors that might otherwise stay shut.Although the (very) high veld leaves me gasping for breath, (Johannesburg and London's time zones are close enough; their altitudes differ tremendously), I'm an eager arrival.

The Economist

Modern study of the veld has centred on its economic, ecological, and archaeological assets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To most South African farmers today the "veld" refers to the land they work, much of which has long since ceased to be "natural".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "veld", ensure your audience is familiar with South African geography or provide context to avoid confusion. Use it to specifically refer to the open grassland regions of Southern Africa.

Common error

Avoid using "veld" as a generic term for any grassland. It specifically refers to the open pasture land or grassland of South Africa and neighboring countries. Using "grassland" or "savanna" might be more appropriate in other contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "veld" is as a noun. It typically denotes a specific geographical area—the open grasslands of Southern Africa. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in this context, aligning with the definition provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "veld" specifically refers to the open grasslands of Southern Africa, as confirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically, it functions primarily as a noun. Its usage is considered correct and very common, particularly in encyclopedic and news contexts. While "grassland" and "savanna" are similar terms, "veld" carries a specific geographical connotation. When using "veld", it's important to consider the audience's familiarity with South African geography to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grassland

Broader term referring to any area dominated by grasses, not specific to Southern Africa.

savanna

Tropical or subtropical grassland with scattered trees, more general than "veld".

bushveld

A subtropical woodland ecoregion of Southern Africa.

highveld

The high plateau area of South Africa.

prairie

Large open grassland, historically in North America.

pampas

Fertile South American lowlands grassland.

steppe

Dry, grassy plain, usually with few trees.

rangeland

Land used for grazing livestock.

pasture

Land covered with grass and other low plants suitable for grazing animals, generally enclosed.

open country

General term for land not covered by forest or buildings.

FAQs

What does "veld" mean?

The term "veld" refers to the open pasture land or grassland of South Africa and neighboring countries.

Where is the "veld" located?

The "veld" is primarily located in Southern Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and surrounding countries.

What is a synonym for "veld"?

A close synonym for "veld" is "grassland", although "veld" specifically refers to South African grasslands. You can also use the term "savanna" depending on the context.

How is "veld" different from other types of grasslands?

"Veld" specifically describes the open grasslands of Southern Africa, while terms like "prairie", "steppe", or "pampas" refer to grasslands in other regions of the world. Each term carries geographical and ecological nuances.