as it widens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it widens" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process or change that occurs simultaneously with something becoming broader or more extensive. Example: "The river flows gently at first, but as it widens, the current becomes stronger and more turbulent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The challenge for Panama, as it widens its canal and expands its mercantile ambitions, is to ensure that the wilderness and the vital crossroads stay intact.

The Telegraph

Although the government has promised a prompt return to inclusive democracy and the rule of law, the military trials and network closings extended its use of authoritarian tactics as it widens its crackdown on Morsi supporters and the Muslim Brotherhood.

The New York Times

As it widens its circles of connection, it supposes that a force that could only be called destiny is determining the characters' lives.

The New York Times

But part of the idea of appointing Gullicksen as COO is that now he will be the main person overseeing how that product develops and gets commercially deployed as it widens its international reach.

TechCrunch

We found, however, that as it widens toward its base (e.g., at the level of the broken line in Figure 4A), only its caudal part expresses both Ngn2 and Shh.

Cell Reports

Ever since, he has been following it deeper as it widens into a crevasse.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

So I watched The Wire, and watched it some more, and nodded my head in respect as it widened its brief to take on education and politics, becoming positively Zola-esque itsits detailing of the ways in which the rich and the powerful fail and exploit and madden the poor and the powerless and - in Baltimore at least - the black.

The Guardian

Shares fell as much as 8.7percentt after Corning said some customers might order less optical fiber and components in the first half, and as it widened the range of its first-quarter earnings forecast.

The New York Times

During its third weekend, it broke into the top 10 as it widened to 175 theaters ahead of its nationwide expansion on December 23 , 2009

Wikipedia

As it widened market boundaries, however, the network of Swift concentrated economic activity in new places.

Journal of Historical Geography

Not only that, as a company, it widens the candidate pool far beyond a fifteen-mile radius of our headquarters, so we can find the best people no matter where they live.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it widens" to clearly indicate a simultaneous relationship between a process and an increase in breadth or scope. This works well when describing physical changes (like a river) or abstract concepts (like a skill set).

Common error

Avoid using "as it widens" in very simple sentences where a more direct verb like "expands" or "grows" would be more concise and impactful. Simpler language often enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it widens" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting a process with an action of becoming broader. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing both physical expansions and conceptual broadening. It often introduces a cause-and-effect relationship, where the widening leads to a subsequent result.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it widens" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a simultaneous process of expansion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in a broad range of contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When writing with this phrase, consider the best practices: use it where it directly shows a link between an action and an increase in scope, but avoid overuse in simple sentences. Alternatives like "as it expands" or "as it broadens" offer similar meanings but may better suit the specific context. Finally, avoid excessive use in simple sentences to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it expands

Focuses on the increase in size or scope, similar to widening but often implies a more comprehensive growth.

as it broadens

Emphasizes making something wider or more inclusive, often used in abstract contexts like broadening one's horizons.

while it enlarges

Highlights the gradual process of becoming larger, suggesting a more gradual and continuous change.

during its expansion

Specifies a period when something is growing, changing the focus from the action to the timeframe.

as it extends

Implies lengthening or stretching out, which can be used in physical or abstract contexts.

in its broadening

Focuses on the action of making something broader, often used to describe a deliberate effort to include more.

as it increases in width

A more literal and descriptive alternative, suitable when precision is needed.

while it grows wider

Emphasizes the gradual increase in width over time, suggesting a more organic or natural process.

concurrent with its widening

Formal and emphasizes the simultaneous occurrence of the widening process with another event.

with its increasing breadth

Highlights the expansion in range or scope, offering a more sophisticated and literary tone.

FAQs

How can I use "as it widens" in a sentence?

Use "as it widens" to describe a process that occurs simultaneously with something becoming broader or more extensive. For example: "The river flows gently at first, but as it widens, the current becomes stronger."

What can I say instead of "as it widens"?

You can use alternatives like "as it expands", "as it broadens", or "while it enlarges" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as it widens"?

Yes, "as it widens" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to describe a simultaneous process of something increasing in width or scope.

In what contexts is "as it widens" most appropriate?

"As it widens" is suitable for describing both physical phenomena, such as a river's course, and abstract concepts, like the scope of a project or the range of one's knowledge. It suggests a continuous process of expansion.