a wide acquaintance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wide acquaintance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has many friends or contacts in various social circles. Example: "Her extensive travels have allowed her to develop a wide acquaintance across different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

You must have a wide acquaintance among the astigmatic, haven't you, Freddie, dear?

The New Yorker

After the war, she worked on and off as a waitress, took in boarders, and, as a favor to her friends — she had a wide acquaintance among the shadier elements of Lower Town society — occasionally performed abortions.

The New Yorker

A retired professional with a wide acquaintance in Europe, he had dismissed all his staff in January 1993 and was running through his savings at the house he had built in the suburbs.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Groves told them that he was looking for someone with "a sound understanding of both practical and theoretical ordnance-high explosives, guns and fusing-a wide acquaintance and an excellent reputation among military ordnance people and an ability to gain their support; a reasonably broad background in scientific development; and an ability to attract and hold the respect of scientists".

Wikipedia

Just as the personal caricature was for an audience that knew the original, so the cartoon was and is based on wide acquaintance with the subject.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those who know him -- and it is a wide circle of acquaintance, encompassing architects, designers, artists, collectors, rock stars, hotel and restaurant owners and magazine writers with whom he maintains a nearly constant dialogue -- wouldn't call him a decorator, but that doesn't mean they have a better word at hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

Montesquieu had a wide circle of acquaintances in England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unlike Ms. Shea, Mr. Cameron began his real estate career without access to a wide range of acquaintances in the region.

The New York Times

The narrator's friendship with Leo gives him access to a wide range of acquaintances across the strictly enforced class divisions of a theoretically classless society.

The New York Times - Books

She was not a drug addict or an alcoholic, but an attractive and sociable, if somewhat secretive person, with a wide circle of acquaintances.

The Guardian - Film

They had the assurance of people who had spent two comfortable decades on the East Coast: a wide circle of acquaintances, membership at a local golf club, a time-share in Naples, Florida.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid redundancy, consider using synonyms such as "extensive network" or "broad circle of contacts" if you have already used "acquaintance" frequently in your writing.

Common error

Remember that having "a wide acquaintance" doesn't necessarily mean having close friends. An acquaintance is someone you know casually, not someone with whom you share deep personal connections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide acquaintance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wide acquaintance" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe someone who knows many people casually. While it's not extremely common, Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It often appears in news articles, encyclopedias, and general writing. Related phrases include "an extensive network" or "a broad circle of contacts". When using this phrase, be mindful of the distinction between acquaintances and close friends. Ultimately, having "a wide acquaintance" suggests social reach and diverse contacts but doesn't guarantee deep relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extensive network

Focuses more on the interconnectedness of contacts rather than personal familiarity.

a considerable social network

Highlights the social aspect and extent of one's connections.

a broad circle of contacts

Emphasizes the range of individuals known, primarily for professional or social reasons.

an impressive array of contacts

Suggests the contacts are valuable or noteworthy, emphasizing their quality.

a large number of connections

Highlights the quantity of relationships without necessarily implying depth.

a diverse range of associates

Stresses the variety and different backgrounds of the people known.

many professional contacts

Specifically refers to work-related relationships, emphasizing their utility.

a substantial number of colleagues

Implies a formal or professional context, referring to people one works with.

a wide sphere of influence

Shifts the focus to the potential power and reach afforded by the contacts.

a comprehensive list of referrals

Highlights the ability to provide contacts for specific purposes, such as job opportunities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wide acquaintance" to describe someone who knows many people from various walks of life. For example: "Her work in the community helped her develop "a wide acquaintance"."

What is the difference between "a wide acquaintance" and "an extensive network"?

"A wide acquaintance" refers to knowing many people casually, while "an extensive network" implies a more interconnected and potentially influential web of contacts.

What are some alternatives to "a wide acquaintance"?

Alternatives include "a broad circle of contacts", "an extensive network", or "a large number of connections", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to have "a wide acquaintance" or a small group of close friends?

Neither is inherently better; it depends on your personal preferences and goals. "A wide acquaintance" can be beneficial for networking and opportunities, while close friends provide deeper emotional support and companionship.