a wider area

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a wider area' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a larger geographical region than the one you have already mentioned. For example, "The government has decided to implement a new policy in a wider area in order to combat the problem of poverty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Foreign policy changes are likely to encompass a wider area.

The Guardian

The second, a "soft" one, would cover a wider area.

The New York Times

A wider area of 6in extended to Baltimore and southern New Jersey.

The Guardian

The extra money will make it possible to extend the network into a wider area.

The Guardian

Hunt said services would be delivered best if reorganised over a wider area.

The Guardian

And they said the contamination covered a wider area than had previously been believed.

The New York Times

"Here, we have a wider area of loss, over several states".

The New York Times

Porbeagles are found across a wider area, inhabiting temperate waters in both hemispheres.

Britannica

The new lava is hotter, moves faster and has spread over a wider area.

The Guardian

The Framingham researchers cautioned against extrapolating findings from one community to a wider area.

The New York Times - Health

It calls for smaller residential groups of apartments scattered over a wider area of the county.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geographical expansions or areas of influence, use "a wider area" to convey a sense of increased scope or coverage. For instance, in environmental reports, stating that "the contamination spread across a wider area" provides a clear picture of the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a wider area" when you actually mean a broader scope of topics or issues. "Area" typically refers to physical or geographical extent, while "scope" refers to the range of coverage or subject matter. For example, use "a broader scope of research" instead of "a wider area of research" if you are referring to topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wider area" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wider area" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an expansion in physical or abstract extent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. When using the phrase, remember that "area" typically refers to physical space, and consider alternatives like "a broader scope" or "a larger region" if you need to convey different nuances. Pay attention to context to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a larger area

Emphasizes the increased size or extent, directly focusing on the physical dimensions.

a broader scope

Focuses on the extent of coverage or range of topics, issues, or activities.

a more extensive region

Highlights the geographical aspect of the expansion, useful in spatial contexts.

a greater expanse

Stresses the openness and vastness of the area, suitable for describing landscapes or abstract concepts.

an expanded territory

Implies a formal or defined area that has been increased, often used in political or strategic contexts.

a wider field

Suggests an area of study or activity that has been broadened to include more elements.

a more comprehensive range

Emphasizes inclusivity and thoroughness in covering a variety of items or aspects.

an amplified zone

Implies a designated area that has been enlarged, often associated with influence or impact.

a spread out location

Focuses on the physical dispersion and distribution of something over an increased space.

a dilated space

Suggests an expansion that may be metaphorical, indicating increased capacity or opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "a wider area" in a sentence?

You can use "a wider area" to describe an expansion of a physical space or the broadening of a defined region. For example, "The search party covered "a wider area" in their efforts to find the missing hiker".

What's the difference between "a wider area" and "a larger area"?

While similar, "a wider area" often implies breadth or scope, while "a larger area" focuses more on size or extent. You might say "the disease affected "a wider area" due to its airborne nature", suggesting broad dispersal, while "the new park encompasses "a larger area" than the old one" emphasizes the increased physical size.

Is it correct to say "a wider area of study"?

While not incorrect, it's more precise to say "a broader scope of study" or "a wider field of study". "Area" is generally used for physical spaces, while "scope" or "field" better describe the range of a study.

What are some alternatives to "a wider area"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a broader scope", "a larger region", or "a more extensive area".