a steady widening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady widening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual increase or expansion in a particular context, such as a gap, perspective, or understanding. Example: "Over the years, there has been a steady widening of the gap between the rich and the poor in society."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia Britannica

Plosone

Human Resources for Health

Progress in Orthodontics

Huffington Post

The New York Times

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The Guardian

The New Yorker

Independent

BBC

Forbes

TechCrunch

Science Magazine

Los Angeles Times

Wikipedia

WikiHow

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There had been a steady widening of provincial jurisdiction (especially in the field of welfare), an expansion of revenues and expenditures, and a growing sense of local importance partly nurtured in the constitutional device of the federal-provincial conference.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An inverse association between birth weight and the HR for CHD was observed for birth weights below 3.4 kg, whereas the association weakened above 3.4 kg, and from 4 kg through 5.5 kg there was virtually no association, although with a steady widening of the confidence intervals.

Plosone

Indeed, since 2005 evidence has emerged for a steady widening in gender wage differentials [ 2, 3].

Human Resources for Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This classification was based upon this premise that the teeth must have regained their normal PDL width by the final appointment (6 months after completion of orthodontic treatment) [37],[38]; therefore, either a widening or a steady state in the width of PDL could indicate an undesirable situation.

Progress in Orthodontics

As a compelling new piece on Scientific American asks, "What's to be done with an agony you're not sure you should feel?" The writer adds, "The agonies of an established illness like alcohol addiction are well known -- the looming grief or helplessness, a steady sinking into a deep and widening chasm.

Huffington Post

Last week, as concerns about the health of the global economy widened, gold hit a nominal high of $1,813 an ounce after a steady three-year climb.

The New York Times

Bone tunnel widening was reported to increase to almost 50%% of its maximum after six weeks and reaches a steady state after three to six month [ 3, 23– 25].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

But the recession and the rash of corporate troubles have widened their appeal to investors wary of the stock market who want to settle for a steady if unspectacular return.

The New York Times

We have a steady relationship.

The New Yorker

And a steady flow continues.

Independent

We are a steady boat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a steady widening", ensure the context clearly indicates what is expanding or increasing over time. This adds precision and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a steady widening" when describing abrupt or sudden changes. This phrase denotes a gradual and continuous expansion, not an immediate shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady widening" functions as a noun phrase, where "widening" acts as the noun and "steady" modifies it. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a gradual increase or expansion. The examples show its application across varied subjects.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steady widening" is a phrase used to describe a gradual and consistent increase or expansion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it's versatile and can be found across various contexts, from scientific literature to news articles. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is expanding over time and avoid using it for abrupt changes. Alternatives like "gradual increase" or "continuous broadening" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuous broadening

Stresses the ongoing nature of the broadening process, which can be almost perfectly interchangeable.

gradual increase

Focuses on the increasing aspect, omitting the steady pace of the widening.

progressive expansion

Emphasizes the expansion aspect and the continuous progress, but is less specific about the constancy.

consistent growth

Highlights the continuous growth, less emphasizing on the expansion of something already there.

unremitting enlargement

Emphasizes continuous and forceful enlargement, which is a bit more intense than a simple widening.

regular extension

Focuses on the regularity of the extension but does not necessarily imply a natural process like widening.

incremental development

Focuses on gradual development, implying staged progress rather than continuous widening.

persistent augmentation

Highlights the ongoing addition or increase, but could sound too formal.

steady escalation

Suggests an increase in intensity or seriousness, more than just size.

incessant spread

Emphasizes the continuous and unstoppable nature of the spreading, rather than a controlled widening.

FAQs

How can I use "a steady widening" in a sentence?

Use "a steady widening" to describe a gradual increase or expansion. For example, "There has been "a steady widening of" the gap between expectations and reality."

What are some alternatives to "a steady widening"?

Alternatives include "gradual increase", "progressive expansion", or "continuous broadening", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a steady widening" formal or informal?

"A steady widening" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in formal writing, such as academic papers or news reports. Always adjust your language to suit your audience and the purpose of your writing.

What does "a steady widening" imply?

"A steady widening" implies a gradual and consistent increase or expansion over time. It suggests a process that is neither sudden nor erratic, but rather unfolds at a predictable pace.