as they widened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they widened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or action where something is increasing in size or scope, often in relation to physical objects or metaphorical concepts. Example: "The riverbanks began to erode as they widened, creating a more expansive floodplain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Hinting that more cuts were ahead, Carey said its losses were "neither acceptable or sustainable" as they widened to $156m£97m7m).

The Guardian - Tech

Investment-grade corporates had their worst month of the decade as they widened more than 50 basis points versus Treasurys, according to Salomon Smith Barney.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But she does represent the type of celebrity whom cosmetics companies are approaching as they widen their talent pool, seeking out endorsers whose chief drawing card is a knack for charming Everywoman.

The New York Times

Hooke was a polymath and well-respected figure in royal circles, and although his plan was put to one side, he was given a role surveying London's streets as they were widened.

The Guardian

The bridge was strengthened as well as widened in 1959 60.

Wikipedia

Their eyes widen as they argue over what should be worth packing and taking with them amid the permanent loss of their domesticity.

The New Yorker

Parading through the closets of stars such as Paris Hilton, Rachel Bilson and Lindsay Lohan, their eyes widen as they try out Alexander McQueen sunglasses, Chanel handbags and Christian Louboutin pumps.

Los Angeles Times

Front hooves widen as they go down and have rounded edges.

WikiHow

As they considered widening the body to gain two inches of shoulder room — but losing the effect of the flares — a cooler head intervened: "Shoulder room is boring!

The New York Times

Follow these hairline highways as they turn, widen and race around one last ring of mountains as your jet starts descending toward the faint glow in the air ahead.

The New York Times - Travel

Upgrades continue to be made to DE 1 such as the construction and improvement of interchanges as well as widening portions of the road.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as they widened", ensure that the subject performing the widening action is clear and that the context provides a logical reason for the expansion. This phrase works best when describing physical spaces, abstract concepts, or quantifiable gaps.

Common error

Avoid using "as they widened" when the subject widening is not the central focus of the sentence. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, consider rephrasing to emphasize the result of the widening rather than the process itself, for example, use phrases like "resulting in a wider gap".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they widened" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when or while something else is happening. Ludwig examples show its use in describing simultaneous or consequential events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they widened" functions as an adverbial clause of time, typically used to describe the simultaneous expansion of something in relation to another event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. While "as they widened" is considered neutral in tone, paying attention to the context and ensuring the subject of widening is clear is crucial for effective use. Alternative phrases such as "as they expanded" or "as they broadened" can be used to provide variety and nuance depending on the intended meaning. The key is to focus on clarity and context to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while they expanded

Emphasizes simultaneous expansion but uses "while" to highlight the parallel action.

as they broadened

Replaces "widened" with "broadened", suggesting an increase in scope or range.

whilst they grew

Uses "whilst" as a more formal alternative to "as", and "grew" as a general term for increasing size.

as they enlarged

Substitutes "widened" with "enlarged", focusing on an increase in size or capacity.

as their scope increased

Rephrases to focus on the increase in scope rather than physical widening.

as they stretched out

Emphasizes the act of extending or lengthening rather than purely widening.

as they spread out

Suggests an expansion over a larger area, implying dispersion.

as they became wider

A more descriptive and less concise way of expressing the same idea.

during their expansion

Changes the structure to focus on the period of expansion rather than the action of widening.

with their increasing width

Shifts the focus to the attribute of increasing width, changing the sentence structure.

FAQs

How can I use "as they widened" in a sentence?

You can use "as they widened" to describe the process of something expanding or increasing in size or scope. For example, "The river became more turbulent as they widened."

What can I say instead of "as they widened"?

Alternatives include "as they broadened", "while they expanded", or "as they grew" depending on the specific context.

Is "as they widened" formal or informal?

"As they widened" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it appears more frequently in news, media, and scientific writing.

What's the difference between "as they widened" and "as they expanded"?

While similar, "as they widened" typically implies an increase in breadth, while "as they expanded" suggests a more general increase in size or scope. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the breadth or the overall growth.