wide expanse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wide expanse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, open area or space, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The wide expanse of the desert stretched out before us, seemingly endless under the blazing sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The wide expanse of sky also serves to signal that "Carousel" has other concerns — cosmic concerns.

The New York Times

Iowa is a wide expanse, with small towns anchored in a lush golden sea.

The Economist

The lack of artwork on its wide expanse of wall gives it a stark look.

The New York Times

Right now the area is marshy woodland, a wide expanse of small trees and tangled brush.

The New York Times

I ease my way through the growing tension and into the wide expanse of night air.

The New York Times - Magazine

For example, imagine you're back looking at that wide expanse of crops again.

The Guardian

But the movie does take its time, and it wanders over a wide expanse of geographic and thematic territory.

The New York Times

As First Platoon moved into the last wide expanse before reaching the command post, the Taliban began a complex ambush.

The New York Times

The attempt to communicate across a wide expanse of cultural difference is what drives the songwriting process in Afro-Jersey.

The New York Times

Before the war, Bangladesh was East Pakistan, separated from the rest of that country by a wide expanse of India.

The New York Times

What kind of respiration system could maintain a high enough level of oxygen over such a wide expanse?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wide expanse" to vividly describe physical spaces, landscapes, or abstract concepts, creating a sense of scale and openness.

Common error

Avoid using "wide expanse" when describing small areas; instead, opt for terms like "large area" or "open space" for better contextual accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wide expanse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "wide" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "expanse". This combination usually serves to describe a large, open area or space. Ludwig confirms its common and grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wide expanse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to depict large, open areas or spaces, both physically and conceptually. As confirmed by Ludwig, its strength lies in effectively conveying a sense of scale and openness. While generally neutral in register, its usage spans across diverse contexts, most prominently in News & Media. When employing this phrase, consider the impact of size and avoid overuse in describing limited space. By understanding its grammatical function and communicative purpose, writers can harness the evocative power of "wide expanse" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad area

Emphasizes the area's breadth rather than its depth or volume.

vast region

Highlights the size and scale of the area, suggesting it is immense.

extensive territory

Implies ownership or control over the area, often used in political or geographical contexts.

large space

A more generic term referring to a considerable amount of area.

immense area

Stresses the exceptionally large size of the area.

sweeping landscape

Focuses on the visual aspect of the area, suggesting a panoramic view.

tremendous space

Similar to 'immense area', but may also imply a sense of awe or wonder.

unlimited range

Suggests that the area extends without boundaries.

considerable stretch

Emphasizes the length or duration of the area.

limitless scope

Focuses on the potential or capacity of the area, rather than its physical dimensions.

FAQs

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

The phrase "wide expanse" is used to describe a large, open area. For instance, "The pioneers crossed the wide expanse of the prairie" or "The artist captured the wide expanse of the ocean on canvas".

What are some alternatives to "wide expanse"?

Alternatives include "broad area", "vast region", or "extensive territory", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "wide expanse" or "large area"?

"Wide expanse" emphasizes the openness and breadth of a space, while "large area" simply refers to its size. The choice depends on the specific imagery you want to evoke.

What kind of imagery does "wide expanse" create?

The phrase "wide expanse" typically suggests a sense of openness, vastness, and perhaps even isolation or freedom, depending on the context in which it's used.