a widespread phenomenon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widespread phenomenon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence or trend that is prevalent or common across a large area or among a significant number of people. Example: "Climate change has become a widespread phenomenon affecting ecosystems and weather patterns globally."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was not an isolated but a widespread phenomenon".

The Guardian - Books

"It was quite a widespread phenomenon," he says.

The Guardian

This could be a widespread phenomenon in polymer electrolytes.

Electrochimica Acta

Negative concord is a widespread phenomenon across many varieties of English.

Yale University

There is, finally, a widespread phenomenon that might be classified as book bashfulness.

The New York Times

I found the lack of resources for such a widespread phenomenon striking.

The Guardian

And if it's such a widespread phenomenon, why does it seem to catch us by surprise?

Harvard Business Review

Resistance to acaricides is a widespread phenomenon in populations of the cattle tick, R. microplus.

Nature

Pavlovian conditioning appears to be a widespread phenomenon, applying to a relatively wide range of responses.

Britannica

As Raghavan shows, this shift in ethnic composition was a widespread phenomenon.

The New York Times - Books

Neither genetic discrimination, nor workplace genetic testing, is currently a widespread phenomenon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a widespread phenomenon", ensure that you provide context or examples to illustrate the extent of its prevalence. This helps the reader understand the significance and impact of the phenomenon.

Common error

Avoid using "a widespread phenomenon" without providing supporting evidence or data. Making such a claim without proper backing can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread phenomenon" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes something that is prevalent or common. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from environmental science to social behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a widespread phenomenon" is a noun phrase used to describe something prevalent or common. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its function is to highlight the broad reach or frequency of a specific occurrence, often emphasizing its significance. It is most frequently used in science and news contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While the phrase is useful for denoting prevalence, it's important to provide context and supporting evidence to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "a common occurrence" or "a prevalent trend" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common occurrence

Replaces "phenomenon" with a simpler, more general term.

a prevalent trend

Substitutes "widespread" with "prevalent" and "phenomenon" with "trend", focusing on the aspect of change over time.

a common sight

Focuses on visual prevalence, suggesting something frequently seen.

a recurring theme

Implies that something appears repeatedly in different contexts.

a general characteristic

Highlights that something is typical or representative of a larger group.

a ubiquitous aspect

Uses a more formal tone to describe something present everywhere.

a rampant problem

Emphasizes the negative impact and uncontrolled spread of something.

a global issue

Highlights the worldwide scale and significance of something.

an all-pervasive element

Suggests something that spreads throughout and affects everything.

a widespread practice

Specifically refers to a custom or way of doing things that is common.

FAQs

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

You can use "a widespread phenomenon" to describe occurrences prevalent across a large area or among a significant group. For example, "Social media addiction is "a widespread phenomenon" among teenagers."

What are some alternatives to saying "a widespread phenomenon"?

Alternatives include "a common occurrence", "a prevalent trend", or "a common sight" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an widespread phenomenon" instead of "a widespread phenomenon"?

No, it is not correct. The correct article to use before "widespread" is "a" because "widespread" starts with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "a widespread phenomenon" and "a rare phenomenon"?

"A widespread phenomenon" describes something common and prevalent, while "a rare phenomenon" describes something uncommon and infrequent. They are antonyms.