broadens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broadens" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of expanding or increasing the scope, range, or extent of something. Example: "The new policy broadens the opportunities available to underrepresented groups in the workforce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If you've got two campaigns essentially arguing the economic and financial viability of Scotland then it broadens the base, it makes that case stronger," Pringle explained.

The Guardian

John Mann, the Labour MP for Bassetlaw, said that Labour cannot win a majority government unless Miliband broadens the party's coalition to include working class opinion.

The Guardian

M&G Property Portfolio is relatively light in central London and more exposed to the regions, which should play catch-up as the recovery broadens".

The Guardian - Money

Thus, nothing happens.The two sides should drop their conditions and hammer out a stand-alone corporate-tax reform that reduces the rate and broadens the base.

The Economist

As the attack broadens and intensifies, growing confidence will be created at the highest level.

The Economist

Scholem would have said that attachment to a particular tradition broadens understanding, and his scholarship bears this out.

The Economist

But the massive and violent demonstrations that engulfed the capital, Tehran, and other cities on December 26th and 27th suggested that repression only deepens and broadens the opposition.Footage of the protests, shot by mobile phones and spread via the internet, revealed scenes of mayhem unprecedented since the 1979 revolution that toppled the shah.

The Economist

As the turmoil in credit markets deepens and broadens, central banks, particularly America's Fed, have devised ever more ways to bolster the markets against collapse by providing more funds to more actors, for longer periods and against broader ranges of collateral.This week brought the latest round of sandbagging.

The Economist

LIKE many a haiku, Softbank's woes put a Japanese twist on a universal theme:The bandwidth broadens, Users sign up in millions; Where are the profits?Softbank's boss, Masayoshi Son, has been hearing such sentiments a lot lately.

The Economist

He then broadens the analogy to hotels and airlines, which make money only if they are popular enough to maintain high occupancy rates.One selling point that any parent of a monosyllabic teenager will appreciate is the amount of information they will receive.

The Economist

Paul Ryan, the Republican who will chair the House budget committee in the new Congress that convenes on January 3rd, likes the idea of discretionary spending caps and tax reform that broadens the tax base while lowering rates, and may push for both in the coming year.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broadens", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being expanded or widened. For instance, "Studying abroad broadens one's perspective."

Common error

Avoid using "broadens" in sentences where the expansion isn't clearly defined. Instead of "This broadens things," specify what aspects are being broadened and how.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "broadens" is that of a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form. It describes an action of making something wider or more extensive. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term is typically used to show an expansion or increase in scope, range, or extent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "broadens" functions as a verb used to describe the act of widening or extending something. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. Its primary communicative purpose is to indicate expansion or increase. While versatile, it's most commonly found in neutral to formal writing. To enhance clarity, ensure the subject being widened is clearly defined and avoid vague applications. Consider alternatives like "expands", "widens", or "extends" to fine-tune the intended meaning. The term's high source quality and consistent usage patterns underscore its reliability in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expands

Suggests an increase in size, volume, or extent. It is a more direct synonym.

widens

Specifically refers to an increase in width, either literally or figuratively.

extends

Implies making something longer or more comprehensive.

enlarges

Focuses on making something bigger in size or scope.

augments

Indicates an addition to something to improve or enhance it.

amplifies

Suggests increasing the intensity or impact of something.

develops

Implies gradual growth or evolution.

deepens

Suggests an increase in understanding or intensity.

heightens

Implies an increase in intensity or degree.

builds on

Indicates adding to an existing foundation or framework.

FAQs

How can I use "broadens" in a sentence?

Use "broadens" to describe the act of making something wider, more extensive, or more inclusive. For example, "The new curriculum "broadens" the scope of learning opportunities."

What can I say instead of "broadens"?

You can use alternatives like "expands", "widens", or "extends" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "broadens the horizon"?

Yes, "broadens the horizon" is a common idiomatic expression that means to expand one's range of experiences, knowledge, or opportunities.

What's the difference between "broadens" and "deepens"?

"Broadens" refers to increasing the scope or extent of something, while "deepens" refers to increasing the intensity or understanding of something. One expands the surface, the other explores the substance.