What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sprawling
Example
Los Angeles is known for its sprawling urban landscape. [sprawling: adjective]
Example
The university campus is a sprawling complex of buildings and green spaces. [sprawling: adjective]
Example
The cat was sprawled out on the couch, taking up all the space. [sprawled: verb]
expansive
Example
From the top of the mountain, we had an expansive view of the valley below. [expansive: adjective]
Example
He was in an expansive mood, regaling us with stories and jokes all night. [expansive: adjective]
Example
The book provides an expansive overview of the history of art. [expansive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expansive is more commonly used than sprawling in everyday language. Expansive is versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, while sprawling is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sprawling and expansive?
Expansive is generally more formal than sprawling, which is more commonly used in informal contexts.
