A widespread change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A widespread change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or extensive alteration that affects a large number of people or areas. Example: "The introduction of renewable energy sources has led to a widespread change in how we approach environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"What they are asking for now is a change in the system, and this reflects a widespread change in attitude," he said.

The New York Times

These figures reflected an accounting change related to a widespread change in the accounting of good will and other one-time adjustments.

The New York Times

Including an adjustment related to a widespread change in the accounting of good will, the results for the third quarter of 2001 were $53.1 million, or 35 cents a share.

The New York Times

The data showed a widespread change in the canopy due to the dieback of branches, especially among the older, larger trees that are most vulnerable because they provide the shelter for other vegetation.

The Guardian

If Congress enacted such limits it would force a widespread change in the way many of the country's most delicate intelligence operations are run, and would most likely require the intelligence agencies to hire more staff members of their own to do work that in recent years has increasingly been outsourced.

The New York Times

But it's a widespread change, as hundreds of tweets are pouring in in about the switch to widescreen.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

AtPAP2 overexpression resulted in a widespread changes of the transcriptome in the transgenic plants, which may reflect the impact of changes in energy supply that feed back to alter transcriptional programmes.

BMC Genomics

However, it wasn't until the blog PocketGamer investigated the matter further that it could be determined that this was becoming a more widespread change, rather than a one-off situation.

TechCrunch

UNICEF and the European Commission are committed to supporting girls like Asu, as well as to paving the way for a permanent, widespread change in social attitude.

Unicef

Hoping to keep its 70-year grip on power in the face of a growing pro-democracy movement, the Communist Party opened a hastily convened congress today with a call for widespread change.

The New York Times

But it could be a catalyst for widespread change, driving community colleges where they turn away a lot of students to move quickly to put more of their own courses online, and charge tuition, to keep their students from taking the courses elsewhere".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a widespread change", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and impact of the change. Be specific about what is changing and who or what is affected.

Common error

Avoid using "a widespread change" when the alteration is localized or affects only a small group. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when describing truly significant transformations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread change" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a broad or extensive alteration, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples. The phrase is typically used to highlight significant shifts or modifications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

56%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a widespread change" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe significant and extensive alterations. While Ludwig identifies it as correct and usable, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the scope of the change. It appears frequently in news and media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When writing, ensure the described change truly impacts a broad area or group to avoid overstating its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A broad transformation

Emphasizes the scale and completeness of the change, focusing on a fundamental shift in form or nature.

A comprehensive alteration

Highlights the thoroughness and inclusiveness of the change, suggesting that all aspects are affected.

A sweeping modification

Suggests a change that affects many things quickly and extensively.

A systemic shift

Focuses on changes affecting the entire system, implying interconnected and interdependent elements are altered.

A general overhaul

Implies a complete renovation or reconstruction, emphasizing a return to basics and rebuilding.

A far-reaching adjustment

Stresses the extent and impact of the change, indicating effects felt distantly or indirectly.

A fundamental revision

Points to changes that affect the foundational elements, suggesting deep and significant alterations.

A global transition

Indicates change on a worldwide scale, suggesting a move from one state or condition to another.

A large-scale conversion

Focuses on changes that are massive in scope, suggesting a shift from one form to another.

A wide-ranging reform

Suggests changes aimed at improving a system or institution, affecting many areas simultaneously.

FAQs

How can I use "a widespread change" in a sentence?

You can use "a widespread change" to describe significant shifts or alterations that affect a large group or area. For example: "The adoption of new technologies led to "a widespread change" in business practices."

What are some alternatives to "a widespread change"?

Alternatives include "a broad transformation", "a systemic shift", or "a sweeping modification" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a widespread change" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a widespread change" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a significant alteration that affects a large number of people or areas.

What's the difference between "a widespread change" and "a significant change"?

"A widespread change" implies that the alteration affects a large area or group, while "a significant change" simply indicates that the change is important or noteworthy, regardless of its reach. A significant change may or may not be "a widespread change".