a wide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has a large extent or breadth, often in relation to physical dimensions or metaphorical concepts. Example: "The river has a wide expanse that stretches for miles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

There's a wide range.

The New York Times - Magazine

Romário targets a wide spectrum.

The New York Times - Sports

That hides a wide range.

The Economist

A wide selection is manufactured.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Herodotus was a wide traveler.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Boko Haram covers a wide spectrum.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's a wide-open election.

The New Yorker

It's a wide-open field.

The Guardian - Film

A wide-eyed lifestyle spectacle?

Independent

Lagerfeld has a wide-ranging, global view.

Independent

Find a wide-toothed comb.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wide", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "extensive" or "comprehensive" can add precision depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a wide" when a more specific adjective would provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of "a wide selection", consider "a diverse selection" if variety is the key aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide" typically functions as a determiner modifying a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a considerable extent, breadth, or scope. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to describe a range or variety of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

48%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wide" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something with considerable extent or breadth. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wikis. While versatile, it's important to consider whether more specific adjectives might offer greater clarity. Alternatives like "extensive", "comprehensive", or "vast" can add precision depending on the context. Using "a wide" effectively involves understanding its nuance and choosing it when the breadth or scope of something is the primary focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad

Focuses more on the extent of something from side to side.

an extensive

Emphasizes thoroughness and comprehensiveness.

a comprehensive

Highlights the inclusion of all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

a vast

Suggests an immense scale or quantity.

a considerable

Implies a significant amount or degree.

a substantial

Indicates a large size or importance.

a sweeping

Suggests a wide range or scope, often implying a lack of detail.

a far-reaching

Emphasizes the extent of influence or impact.

a general

Indicates a lack of specificity or detail.

a boundless

Highlights the lack of limits or restrictions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wide" to describe something that has a large extent or breadth, such as "The company offers "a wide range of services"" or "The river has "a wide expanse"".

What are some alternatives to "a wide"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a broad", "an extensive", "a vast", or "a comprehensive".

Is it better to say "a wide range" or "a broad range"?

Both "a wide range" and "a broad range" are acceptable, but "wide" emphasizes physical dimension or scope, while "broad" focuses on inclusivity or variety. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a wide" and "a large"?

"A wide" generally refers to the extent or breadth of something, while "a large" refers to the size or quantity. For example, "a wide river" describes its breadth, while "a large number" describes quantity.