been widespread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been widespread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has occurred or been prevalent over a significant area or among a large number of people. Example: "The use of smartphones has been widespread in recent years, transforming how we communicate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Atrocities have been widespread.

The Economist

Injuries have been widespread in the conference.

The New York Times - Sports

And celebrations have been widespread and plentiful.

The New York Times

Public support for her has been widespread.

The New York Times

The result has been widespread abuses.

The New York Times

Some good effects have been widespread.

The Economist

The result has been widespread non-payment.

The Guardian

Predictions of delay have been widespread.

The New York Times

The legal backlash has also been widespread.

The New York Times

Pro-democracy protests have been widespread.

The New York Times

Reports of homophobic bullying have been widespread.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been widespread" to indicate that something has affected a large number of people or places, or has occurred frequently across a broad area. Ensure the subject and context clearly define what is widespread.

Common error

Avoid using "been widespread" with an unclear or undefined subject. Always specify what exactly has been widespread to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'Problems have been widespread', specify 'Technical issues have been widespread'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been widespread" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a noun or subject. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It indicates that something has affected a large area or a significant portion of a population, as seen in examples like, 'Injuries have "been widespread" in the conference'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been widespread" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something prevalent across a large area or among a significant population. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is employed in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content, indicating its versatility. While "been widespread" is suitable for neutral communication, careful attention should be paid to clearly defining the subject to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives such as ""become prevalent"" or ""gained traction"" may be used depending on the nuance desired. This phrase effectively conveys the scope and impact of a given subject, making it a valuable tool for clear and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has become prevalent

Focuses on the increasing commonness of something over time.

has become commonplace

Focuses on the ordinariness and frequent occurrence of something.

has extended broadly

Focuses on the wide reach or scope of something.

has diffused extensively

Highlights the spreading of something across a large area or group.

has proliferated rapidly

Highlights the quick and abundant increase of something.

has permeated thoroughly

Stresses the deep and comprehensive influence of something.

has taken hold widely

Emphasizes the firm establishment of something in many places.

has manifested globally

Emphasizes that something has appeared or become evident worldwide.

has gained traction

Emphasizes the growing acceptance or popularity of something.

has spread like wildfire

Emphasizes the rapid spread of something to many places.

FAQs

How can I use "been widespread" in a sentence?

You can use "been widespread" to describe something that has occurred or affected a large area or group of people. For example: "The flu has "been widespread" this winter".

What are some alternatives to saying "been widespread"?

Alternatives include "become prevalent", "gained traction", or "diffused extensively". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was widespread" instead of "been widespread"?

Yes, "was widespread" is correct, but it refers to a past time. "Has "been widespread"" indicates something that started in the past and continues to the present or has relevance now.

What's the difference between "been widespread" and "become widespread"?

"Been widespread" describes a state that has existed for some time, while "become widespread" emphasizes the process of something spreading and becoming common. For example, "The practice has become widespread in recent years".