What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sprawl
Example
The city sprawled outwards, with no clear plan for development. [sprawled: verb]
Example
The cat sprawled out on the couch, enjoying the sun. [sprawled: verb]
Example
The shopping mall was a sprawling complex, covering several acres of land. [sprawling: adjective]
expand
Example
The company plans to expand its operations to new markets. [expand: verb]
Example
The balloon expanded as it filled with air. [expanded: past tense]
Example
The professor expanded on the topic during the lecture, providing more examples and details. [expanded: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expand is more commonly used than sprawl in everyday language. Expand is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sprawl is less common and often used in specific contexts such as urban planning or architecture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sprawl and expand?
Both sprawl and expand can be used in formal and informal contexts, but expand is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both academic and casual settings.
