are very wide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are very wide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the extent or breadth of something, such as physical objects, concepts, or ideas. Example: "The roads in this area are very wide, allowing for easy navigation even during peak traffic hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But his conclusions about how to promote creativity are very wide of the mark.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The differences between the three generations are very wide, which makes it difficult to side with anyone".

The New York Times

My tastes are very wide ranging but it felt like there was more to life that Coronation Street.

The Guardian

The beaches are very wide, and there's always something happening – live music, weddings, parties or village meetings.

The Guardian - Travel

Nervous beginners can take heart from the fact that those plentiful red runs are very wide and well-groomed.

The Guardian - Travel

Trim the rhubarb and chop it into roughly 1cm slices; if the stalks are very wide and chunky then cut them in half lengthways, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The margins are very wide – much wider than they were a month ago," said David Hollingworth, of London & Country Mortgages, the independent broker.

Independent

The mud ripples are very wide and not very high; as they are compacted and the mud becomes rock, they end up appearing practically flat, as if the particles settled out of still water.

The New York Times - Science

"The implications for our existing housing stock are very wide reaching," said Mr. Christophers, now 51, who practices architecture here, in a city that was once a powerhouse of the industrial revolution, about 120 miles northwest of London.

The New York Times

Thus the temperate zones are very wide and the range of plants that can be grown in them is enormous, probably greater than in either the subtropical or tropical zones.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the proscenium arches, still used in modern Kabuki, are very wide, as much as 93 feet (28 metres), and members of the audience, being on the long side of the rectangle, sit quite close to the stage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, consider whether alternatives like "extensive" or "encompassing" might be more precise than "wide".

Common error

Avoid using "are very wide" in overly casual conversation where simpler terms like "big" or "broad" would suffice; maintaining a balance between precision and natural language flow is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very wide" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. Ludwig's examples show it modifying nouns to describe the physical dimensions of objects, the scope of concepts, or the degree of variation. It adds detail and specificity to descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are very wide" is a grammatically sound and versatile adjective phrase used to describe the breadth, extent, or scope of various subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the numerous examples illustrate its common usage across contexts like news, science and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context and choose alternatives if a more formal or precise tone is needed. Remember to use this phrase to provide clarity and detail when describing dimensions, ranges or differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are quite broad

Uses "quite" as a less intense modifier than "very".

are considerably broad

Replaces "very" with "considerably" and "wide" with "broad", emphasizing the extent more formally.

are exceptionally broad

Substitutes "very" with "exceptionally", adding a heightened sense of breadth.

are significantly broad

Indicates a notable degree of width, suitable for technical or analytical contexts.

are extremely spacious

Shifts the focus to the feeling of space, suitable for describing physical areas.

possess considerable breadth

More formal and emphasizes the characteristic of having width.

exhibit great width

Formal and descriptive, focusing on the attribute of width.

are remarkably extensive

Changes the focus to the comprehensiveness or reach of something.

are unusually expansive

Emphasizes the scale and scope in a somewhat unexpected or surprising way.

are impressively vast

Highlights the grand scale, suitable for describing large areas or concepts.

FAQs

How can I use "are very wide" in a sentence?

You can use "are very wide" to describe physical spaces, ranges of possibilities, or differences between groups. For example, "The confidence intervals "are very wide", indicating uncertainty" or "The roads "are very wide", allowing for easy navigation".

What can I say instead of "are very wide"?

You can use alternatives like "are quite broad", "are extremely spacious", or "are exceptionally broad" depending on the context.

When is it best to use "are very wide" over other similar phrases?

The phrase "are very wide" is suitable when you want to emphasize the extent or breadth of something. However, consider alternatives if you want to convey a more formal or technical tone, or if you're describing something abstract where other terms might be more appropriate.

Is "are very wide" formal or informal?

"Are very wide" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, depending on the specific situation, more formal alternatives like "are considerably broad" might be preferred.