are not wide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not wide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks width or is narrow in comparison to something else. Example: "The streets in this neighborhood are not wide enough to accommodate two cars passing each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Admittedly, the borders of the organization are not wide open.

Harvard Business Review

Subway seats are not wide enough to contain the girth of many passengers.

The New York Times - Food

"Our margins are not wide enough to justify building new refineries.

The New York Times

The channels are not wide enough nor the water deep enough to handle rafts or other boats.

The New York Times - Sports

The seats, a pale pastel blue, are bench style, unlike the narrow bucket-type seats in newer-model trains that many commuters say are not wide enough.

The New York Times

Since these roads are not wide enough to install the sidewalks, there is no alternative but to apply the concept of Pedestrian Priority Street.

Journal of Transport & Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The numbers are not wide-ranging either, with the following deployed during that time: India 49 players used in 99 matches, Australia 43 in 83, Sri Lanka 42 in 118, New Zealand 36 in 62, England 34 in 82, South Africa 33 in 69.

The Guardian - Sport

Work by Reform, a centre-right think-tank, suggests that management consultants in Whitehall have failed to deliver results because the bureaucrats who commission them fail to manage them properly.Despite their disdain for Labour's "sofa government", the Tories are not wide-eyed about Whitehall.

The Economist

Plenty of them aren't wide enough for two-way travel anyway.

The Washington Post

The gharials eat mainly fish, and not humans, perhaps only because their mouths aren't wide enough.

The New Yorker

But the truth is they just aren't wide enough.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial dimensions, ensure the context clarifies what "are not wide" refers to, such as "roads", "gaps", or "borders", to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are not wide" without specifying what is being described. For example, instead of saying "the openings are not wide", specify what kind of openings you are referring to, like "the doorways are not wide enough for wheelchairs."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not wide" typically functions as a descriptive element within a sentence. It qualifies a noun by indicating a lack of width or breadth. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not wide" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for describing a lack of width or breadth. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and general interest writing. While alternatives like "are narrow" or "lack width" exist, "are not wide" remains a versatile choice. When using this phrase, ensure clear contextual reference to what is being described and avoid ambiguity to facilitate effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack width

Emphasizes the absence of width directly.

are narrow

Uses a direct synonym to describe the limited width.

are not broad

Replaces "wide" with "broad", a near synonym.

do not extend far

Focuses on the limited extent or reach.

are limited in scope

Shifts the meaning to focus on scope rather than physical width.

are restricted in breadth

Uses a more formal tone to express limited breadth.

have limited extent

Highlights the limited measure or degree.

are not expansive

Emphasizes the lack of expansiveness or spaciousness.

are of limited size

Generalizes the lack of width to a lack of overall size.

are not capacious

Uses a less common term to denote a lack of space or capacity.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is not wide"?

It means that something lacks breadth or is narrow. The phrase "is not wide" suggests a limited dimension in terms of width.

How can I rephrase "are not wide" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "are narrow", "lack width", or "are not broad" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "are not wide"?

It is appropriate when describing physical dimensions (e.g., "The roads are not wide") or abstract concepts (e.g., "The possibilities are not wide").

What is the difference between saying something "is not wide" and saying it "is narrow"?

While both convey a lack of breadth, "is narrow" ("is narrow") is a more direct and common synonym. "Is not wide" may be used for emphasis or in specific constructions.