an expansion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an expansion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe the act of enlarging, extending, or elaborating on something. It is often used in academic and business writing to convey an increase or development of ideas or concepts. Example: The company's latest financial report provides an expansion of their future growth plans and investment strategies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

An injunction also halted an expansion of DACA, announced in November.

Huffington Post

She called for an expansion of self-help and voluntarism.

The Guardian

We've seen an expansion of what the term history comprises".

The New York Times

Once Upon a River is an expansion of that effort.

The New York Times

You'll have an expansion of the monolith of uptown Manhattan".

The New York Times

Feist's latest project seems an expansion of that space.

The New Yorker

The new charges represent an expansion of the earlier case.

The New York Times

"It demonstrates an expansion of the Filipino community".

The New York Times

Monetarists, he said, believe that an expansion of debt is like an expansion of money and can cause inflation.

The Guardian - Business

They are often enlarged by an expansion of credit.

The Economist

It was about expanding coverage through an expansion of government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an expansion of" when you want to emphasize the process or result of something becoming larger or more comprehensive. For instance, "an expansion of the company's product line" indicates a deliberate strategy to offer more products.

Common error

Avoid using "an expansion of" when a simpler phrase like "increase in" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious. For example, prefer "an increase in sales" over "an expansion of the sales figures" for directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an expansion of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the act, process, or result of something becoming larger or more extensive. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its versatile usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an expansion of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act or result of something growing or becoming more extensive. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's essential to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives like "increase in" when appropriate, to maintain clarity. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Huffington Post underscores its reliability in formal and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broadening of

Focuses on increasing the scope or range rather than just size.

an extension to

Implies adding to something already existing, like adding length or time.

an increase in

A more direct way to state there's a rise in quantity or degree.

a growth of

Emphasizes natural development and progression.

a surge in

Suggests a sudden and significant increase.

a proliferation of

Highlights a rapid increase in number or spread.

a development of

Focuses on the process of growth and maturation.

an augmentation of

Implies enhancing or supplementing something.

an amplification of

Highlights making something louder or more intense.

a widening of

Stresses making something broader or more inclusive.

FAQs

How can I use "an expansion of" in a sentence?

You can use "an expansion of" to describe the growth or broadening of something. For example, "The company announced "an expansion of its services" to better meet customer needs."

What are some alternatives to "an expansion of"?

Alternatives include "an increase in", "a growth of", or "a broadening of", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "an expansion of"?

While grammatically correct, "an expansion of" might be less suitable in contexts where a simpler phrase like "increase in" would be more direct and clear. Overuse can make writing sound unnecessarily complex.

What's the difference between "an expansion of" and "an extension of"?

"An expansion of" often refers to increasing the scope or volume, while "an extension of" typically means prolonging or adding to something already in place. For example, "an expansion of the city limits" versus "an extension of the deadline."