active and widespread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "active and widespread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is both currently happening and has a broad reach or impact. Example: "The active and widespread use of social media has transformed how we communicate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Building was, however, very active and widespread.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those involved in the device's research believe they can triple-to-quintuple the power of the laser, though, and test these new versions within the next two-to-three years, hopefully seeing active and widespread combat deployment by the early 2020s.

Vice

Yet there are barriers to more active and widespread involvement in HIV/AIDS initiatives among religious groups in Trinidad.

BMC Public Health

Our data reveal that rapid enhancer evolution, often involving exaptation of ancestral DNA, is active and widespread across all the mammalian clades in our study, as has been reported in primates (Cotney et al., 2013).

Cell

Another startling observation was the short time required to change the methylation state of the genome by these cells in culture, which implies that DNA demethylation is a very active and widespread process providing bidirectionality to what appeared to be a simplifying ratchet for the process of DNA methylation.

Epigenetics

The study area stretches from 26°00′12″N to 39°46′50″N and from 73°18′52″E to 104°46′59″E, which covers approximately 3,487,000 km in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, most active and widespread marmots (Marmota himalayana) foci area.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The higher rate of psychomotor retardation reported by Anabaptist participants may reflect a greater awareness of this symptom owing to active lifestyles and widespread reliance on physical labor.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

In Rutshuru territory, 85 per cent of schools serving an estimated 150,000 students were closed due to active combat and widespread insecurity.

Unicef

The Late Glacial promoted the formation of small glaciers in the highest northern cirques and widespread active periglacial processes (i.e. rock glaciers).

Quaternary International

Active and recently active normal faults form perhaps the most conspicuous and widespread landscape in the Cordillera.

Geology and Landscape Evolution General Principles Applied to the United States

The introduction and widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has had a profound impact on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, turning a fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a phenomenon, use "active and widespread" to emphasize both its current operation and its broad reach. This highlights that it is not just present but also significantly impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "active and widespread" when only one aspect is truly present. For instance, if something is active in only a small area, or widespread but no longer functioning, a more precise descriptor is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "active and widespread" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe something that is both currently in operation or effect (active) and broadly distributed or prevalent (widespread). Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing phenomena, processes, and conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "active and widespread" functions as a compound adjective, effectively conveying that something is both currently operational and broadly distributed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. This phrase sees use across a range of contexts, from scientific discussions to news reports, but is most common in scientific contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to ensure both qualities—activity and broad reach—are genuinely present to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "widely active" or "actively prevalent" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis, while understanding the phrase's register helps ensure appropriate application in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actively prevalent

Reorders the terms, emphasizing prevalence while maintaining the sense of current activity.

widely active

Switches the order, giving prominence to the wide reach.

currently extensive

Replaces "active" with "currently" and "widespread" with "extensive", focusing on the scope and present time.

actively distributed

Substitutes "widespread" with "distributed", highlighting the dispersal aspect.

in full swing and common

Uses a more idiomatic expression for "active" and replaces "widespread" with "common", changing the tone slightly.

operationally pervasive

Replaces "active" with "operationally" and "widespread" with "pervasive", making the phrase more formal.

dynamically ubiquitous

Employs "dynamically" to convey activity and "ubiquitous" for wide presence, resulting in a more sophisticated tone.

extensively implemented

Focuses on the implementation aspect of being active and widespread.

commonly practiced

Highlights the commonality of a practice rather than general prevalence.

actively in effect

Stresses the ongoing effect and action, less about physical spread.

FAQs

How can I use "active and widespread" in a sentence?

Use "active and widespread" to describe something that is both currently happening or in use, and also has a broad reach or impact. For example: "The active and widespread use of social media has transformed communication.".

What are some alternatives to "active and widespread"?

You can use alternatives like "widely active", "actively prevalent", or "currently extensive", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say something is both "active" and "widespread"?

No, "active" and "widespread" describe different qualities. "Active" implies something is currently functioning or in effect, while "widespread" indicates it has a broad reach or prevalence. Using both emphasizes both qualities.

In what situations is "active and widespread" most appropriate?

This phrase is particularly useful in scientific, formal, and neutral contexts when describing processes, phenomena, or conditions that are currently in operation and have a significant distribution or impact, as exemplified by Ludwig.