a widespread number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widespread number" is not correct and is not commonly used in written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as "widespread" refers to something that is widely distributed or prevalent, while "number" is a countable noun. Example: "There is a widespread number of opinions on this topic, but they all seem to converge on the same conclusion."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

For augmented reality to really become popular, however, a widespread number of apps will have to adopt it.

MIT Technology Review

The headline of the Chomp Update is that there is a big change happening that affects a widespread number of search results.

TechCrunch

Seven human sirtuins have been identified acting on a widespread number of substrates.

Cell Death and Disease

Attending to the spatial targets increased activity in a widespread number of brain regions, as compared with attending to the frequency-modulated targets in the same stimulus.

European Journal of Neuroscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The widespread number of A. baumannii strains resistant to antibiotics led us to explore whether the increased expression of IL-8 by infected cells is a general theme for A. baumannii.

Plosone

For example, a high copy number gain in a small number of cells may be interpreted as a widespread low copy number gain.

Genome Medicine

In 1946, the gharial population had been widespread, numbering around 5,000 to 10,000; by 2006, however, it had declined 96 98%, reduced to a small number of widely spaced subpopulations of fewer than 235 individuals.

Wikipedia

Time of occurrence of events attributable to human error in mining and manufacturing showed a widespread distribution for number of events, events with victims and evacuations, and hospitalizations and deaths, without apparent increased occurrence during the night shift.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

In the last three decades, there has been a widespread in the number and type of strengthening columns.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering (IJASE)

Before CTC screening can be applied in a widespread fashion, large numbers of radiologists (and likely non-radiologist physicians and a variety of physician extenders) need to be trained and possibly certified, a process now beginning to take place in many parts of the world.

Cancer Imaging

Estimates of the incidence of workplace bullying vary, but research repeatedly demonstrates that it is a widespread problem in a number of countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the phrase "a widespread number", opt for more grammatically sound alternatives such as "a large number" or "a significant number" to maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread" to directly modify "number". "Widespread" describes distribution, not quantity. Use adjectives like "large", "significant", or "numerous" to describe quantity instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread number" functions incorrectly as an adjective phrase attempting to modify a noun. As Ludwig AI points out, "widespread" describes distribution, not quantity, leading to a grammatical mismatch.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a widespread number" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI clarifies, the adjective "widespread" describes distribution or prevalence, not quantity. Therefore, it's more appropriate to use alternatives like "a large number" or "a significant number" to accurately convey a sense of quantity. While the phrase appears in various sources, including science and news, its incorrect usage diminishes its effectiveness in formal communication. To ensure clarity and precision in your writing, avoid using "a widespread number" and opt for grammatically sound alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large number

Replaces "widespread" with "large" to directly indicate quantity.

a significant number

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the quantity.

a great number

Similar to "a large number", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on quantity.

a considerable number

Indicates that the quantity is noteworthy or substantial.

substantial quantity

Combines the idea of a significant amount with the concept of quantity.

numerous instances

Shifts the focus to individual occurrences rather than a collective number.

wide array

Emphasizes the diversity or range of items.

extensive range

Highlights the breadth or scope of something.

broad spectrum

Implies a comprehensive or inclusive collection.

prevalent amount

Indicates a quantity that is commonly found or occurring.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a widespread number"?

Instead of "a widespread number", consider using phrases like "a large number", "a significant number", or "numerous instances" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a widespread number"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. "Widespread" describes distribution or prevalence, not quantity. It's better to use phrases that accurately describe quantity, such as "a large number".

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

Use "widespread" to describe something that is widely distributed or prevalent, for example, "There is a widespread belief that..." or "The technology saw widespread adoption".

What's the difference between "a widespread number" and "a large number"?

"A widespread number" is grammatically incorrect. "A large number" is the correct way to express a significant quantity.