be wider than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be wider than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing dimensions, scope, or impact that surpass initial assumptions or predictions. Example: "The results of the survey revealed that the interest in the new product would be wider than expected, attracting a diverse customer base."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Corning, the maker of optical fiber and cable used in communications networks, said yesterday that its fourth-quarter loss would be wider than expected because of higher-than-expected costs and write-downs.

The New York Times

7. The forthcoming government reshuffle may be wider than expected.

The Guardian

It said its first-quarter loss would be wider than expected because of an increase in marketing expenses.

The New York Times

The company said its second-quarter loss would be $19.2 billion, and its operating loss would be wider than expected.

The New York Times

The Ameritrade Holding Corporation warned yesterday that its first-quarter losses would be wider than expected and announced plans to lay off about 300 workers to cut expenses.

The New York Times

The company, which ranked among the Nasdaq's most-active shares, warned that its loss would be wider than expected even as it raised its outlook for quarterly sales.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The loss was wider than expected.

The New York Times

Late Thursday the company, a manager of Internet sites, reported a loss that was wider than expected.

The New York Times

The report comes as data showed yesterday that Britain's trade deficit with the rest of the world was wider than expected in April.

The Guardian

Sales at stores open at least a year are rising at a rate of about 5percentthis quarterer and profit margins are wider than expected, the company said.

The New York Times

He added he had to appear in court using his alter ego – rather than his real name – in order to 'maintain cover'.‬ The scope of Elllison's review is wider than expected.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be wider than expected" to accurately portray situations where dimensions, scope, or impact surpass initial predictions. For clarity, always specify what is wider than expected and the basis of the initial expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "be wider than expected" without providing context. Ensure that it's clear what 'wider' refers to—whether it's a physical dimension, the scope of an issue, or the impact of an event. Otherwise, the phrase becomes vague and loses its descriptive power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be wider than expected" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to qualify a noun or situation where the actual extent, impact, or size surpasses initial assumptions. It adds a layer of surprise or unexpectedness to the description.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be wider than expected" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate that the actual size, scope, or impact of something has surpassed initial predictions. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is "wider" and the basis for the initial expectation. Related phrases include "exceed expectations" and "prove larger than anticipated".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prove larger than anticipated

Similar meaning with an emphasis on the actual size compared to anticipation.

exceed expectations

Focuses on surpassing anticipated performance or outcomes, not necessarily size.

turn out to be broader in scope

Highlights the extent and comprehensiveness of a phenomenon.

exceed initial measurements

Focuses on surpassing physical or quantifiable measurements.

turn out to be more extensive

Emphasizes scope or reach rather than physical width.

be greater than initially thought

Focuses on a degree or amount being larger than the first assumption.

surpass initial projections

Highlights that projections were less than what resulted.

be more substantial than foreseen

Emphasizes the significance or impact being greater than expected.

outstrip original estimates

Emphasizes that real measure has grown beyond estimated values.

be more far-reaching than predicted

Highlights the broad implications or extent of something.

FAQs

How can I use "be wider than expected" in a sentence?

You can use "be wider than expected" to describe dimensions, scopes or impacts that surpass initial assumptions or predictions. For example, "The scope of the investigation turned out to be wider than expected, encompassing several departments."

What are some alternatives to "be wider than expected"?

You can use alternatives like "exceed expectations", "prove larger than anticipated", or "turn out to be more extensive", depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is "be wider than expected"?

When something "be wider than expected", it means its actual size, scope, or impact is greater than what was initially anticipated or predicted. This can apply to physical dimensions, project scope, or even emotional responses.

Is it correct to say "be more wide than expected"?

While understandable, "be more wide than expected" is less common and slightly awkward. "Be wider than expected" is the more idiomatic and natural phrasing.